Monitoring of Heavy Metals By Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

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Abstract
Fundamentals and salient features of a projected heavy metals monitoring system are discussed. Determination of mass concentrations is achieved by using a new dust emission monitor, consisting of a "Zero Pressure Probe" for isokinetic sampling, which is connected to a "Longitudinally Oscillating Band" mass detector. The thin dust layer, precipitated on the surface of heat resistant filter tapes could be analysed nondestructively by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Using a small portable EDXRF-system with radioisotope-excitation, quasi-continuous monitoring of particulate heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu, Sb, Zn, Sn) suspended in incinerator stack gases is expected to be feasible. Another application of EDXRF-analysis is the reported investigation of electrostatic precipitator ash (ESP-fly ash). Using the "Linear Multi-Elemental-Standard Addition Method" as a fast and simple routine technique, results are reported for the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in fly ash samples which had been collected in different fields (hoppers) of the electrostatic precipitator.

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