Accuracy and Precision of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Analysis of Trace and Major Elements in Rock Standard Reference Materials Using Fine Powder
In this work the performance of a screening analytical method for Energy Dispersive
X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) analysis in terms of accuracy and precision was evaluated
through analysis of rock standard reference materials. The method allowed the division
of elements into four groups taking into account the excitation energies and measurement
conditions of the sample. Two standard reference materials were used
and 15 sample replicates were prepared and analyzed, then statistics were applied
to assess the precision and accuracy of analytical results. The obtained results
show that major compounds or elements (SiO2, P2O5,
K2O, CaO, Fe2O3, Ti) can be determined in fine
powder sample with a deviation lower than 15%, and a relative standard deviation
in the range (1 - 10)%. The deviation was found to be lower than 5% for major compounds
such as K2O, and CaO, which suggest that the EDXRF is accurate in evaluating
major elemental concentrations in rock samples. It was also found that the method
seems to be more accurate and precise for major elements than for trace element
investigation. This screening analytical method can be used for routine analysis
with acceptable results, even though the method should be optimized to increase
its precision and accuracy.
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