I have 15 samples. 10 samples I measured with XRF and others I used AAS. Can I analys both of them with one analysis or I should measure all of them with one device (XRF or AAS)?
I want to know the relation of heavy metal concentration between samples.
Thank you
Regarding your request, if you want to compare heavy metal concentrations between samples, be sure to use the same measurement method for measuring all samples.
When the measurement method is set up correctly (instrument setup including method calibration) then you should get the same results. But I would definitely use the same measurement method for measurement.
You just have to be careful on the concentration limits of the method you will use to measure the samples.
Yes, XRF results and AAS results can be compared. Both XRF and AAS are analytical techniques used to determine the elemental composition of a sample. XRF is a non-destructive technique that measures the fluorescence of a sample when exposed to X-rays, while AAS is a destructive technique that measures the absorption of light by a sample. There are several studies that have compared the results obtained by these two techniques
In general, the results obtained by XRF and AAS are comparable, but the accuracy and precision of the results depend on several factors, such as the type of sample, the instrument used, and the calibration method. It is important to note that XRF is a screening tool and may not be suitable for samples with low levels of elements of interest. Therefore, AAS is still considered the reference method for many analytical procedures
Dear Azmi:
There is no reason why should not be able to compare the numbers from one analytical technique to the other. In fact, if they are not the same (within measurement uncertainties) there is something wrong with one technique or the other, or both. This is the very reason why the results from at least three different techniques are compared for certification of standard reference materials.
If you have access to both techniques, time and resources it would be good to measure them by both, for validation of the data.
Keep in mind, that the two techniques have different capabilities. XRF is good for the measurement of major/minor elements giving good precision and accuracy, if matching calibration standards are selected, but may not be able to reach the desired trace levels of certain analytes. On the other hand, AA is much more involved with having to deal with sample digestion (may have issues with recoveries), dilutions, etc., but would be sensitive for the trace level analytes.
Therefore, depending on the analytes and concentration leveles and your objectives, you may or may not be able to directly compare one against the other, as one technique may be better suited or more reliable than the other.
The brief answer is yes, provided that the extraction for the AAS analysis is quantitative and you are within calibration range for both methods.
Both techniques provide elemental composition of their respective samples therefore comparing produced information by each method should give a probable correlation between the analytes. however, do consider the fact that XRF is non-destructive and the latter is destructive.
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