Abstract
This paper illustrates the useful early-warning role of the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique against a potential health hazard being posed by dumping effluents from an industrial unit involved in the manufacture of lead-batteries, in a nearby water-canal used for irrigation purposes by surrounding villages. These effluents were shown to contain mercury at a potentially unsafe level, resulting in timely initiation of necessary preventive measures. The standard fundamental parameter method was invoked for a quantitative estimation of the mercury (Hg) concentration. In addition, L-series (rather than the usual K-series) X-rays were used for excitation, mainly on account of the type of the available excitation source.
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Bhat, C.K., Bhat, C.L., Lodha, G.S. et al. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry technique as an efficient monitoring tool for mercury contamination. Environ Monit Assess 41, 77–86 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394248
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00394248