Abstract
X-ray fluorescence is a fast, cost-effective, and eco-friendly method for elemental analyses. Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (pXRF) have proven instrumental in detecting metals across diverse matrices, including plants. However, sample preparation and measurement procedures need to be standardized for each instrument. This study examined sample preparation methods and predictive capabilities for nickel (Ni) concentrations in various plants using pXRF, employing empirical calibration based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) Ni data. The evaluation involved 300 plant samples of 14 species with variable of Ni accumulation. Various dwell times (30, 60, 90, 120, 300 s) and sample masses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 g) were tested. Calibration models were developed through empirical and correction factor approaches. The results showed that the use of 1.0 g of sample (0.14 g cm−2) and a dwell time of 60 s for the study conditions were appropriate for detection by pXRF. Ni concentrations determined by ICP-OES were highly correlated (R2 = 0.94) with those measured by the pXRF instrument. Therefore, pXRF can provide reliable detection of Ni in plant samples, avoiding the digestion of samples and reducing the decision-making time in environmental management.
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Acknowledgements
We thank the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (Brazil) for providing laboratory facilities and financial, logistical, and operational support for the activities.
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This work was supported by the Brazilian institution FACEPE under grant number 0430–5.01/14 and Coordination for the Improvement of Higher-Level Personnel (CAPES) for the scholarships.
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All the authors contributed to the study topic and research. Material preparation, data collection, and data analysis were carried out by Luiz Henrique Vieira Lima. The first version of the manuscript was written by Luiz Henrique Vieira Lima and revised and corrected by the other authors. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.
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Lima, L.H.V., da Silva, F.B.V., Echevarria, G. et al. The use of a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for measuring nickel in plants: sample preparation and validation. Environ Monit Assess 196, 540 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12706-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12706-y