Plant analyses by X‐ray spectrometry II—Elements of atomic number greater than 20

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Abstract
X‐ray spectrometry can be used to analyse plants for elements of atomic number greater than 20 at concentrations as low as 1 ppm. The most accurate results are obtained by measuring peak intensity, background intensity and the mass absorption coefficient of the sample. The intensity of the Compton scatter by the sample of the Au Lα from the X‐ray tube can be used as an indirect measure of the mass absorption coefficient, or this coefficient can be calculated if the concentrations of the major elements are known. Background intensity should be measured on each sample for each element but, if not practicable, e.g. in multi‐channel instruments, then a close approximation of this intensity can be calculated from the mass absorption coefficient.Calibration has been made using chemicals added to cellulose and the results obtained for the concentration of manganese, iron, copper and zinc in a series of plant samples and in the standard kale sample are in close agreement with the chemical values.