Hi!
Methods available for the extraction of trace elements from the fine fraction of wastes (or even soil) are limited and the main criterion is the extraction efficiency of each metal but what are the other factors that must be considered. For me reducing the environmental and health risks are important but what you think?
Regards
A while back, my colleagues and I looked at trace metals using both flame absorption spectroscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence. We got very different results from both techniques - the reason was that we measured leachable trace metals from soil prior to FAS, but measured total bulk trace metals by XRF. Combining the two led to an interesting result - we could identify the signature of metallurgy in an old Roman camp.
The answer to your question depends on a) whether or not you need to get leachable metals and b) the level of accuracy. Portable XRF will get you down to the 2-5 ppm range, depending on the calibrations of the device. ICP-MS or neutron activation analysis can get you down to the part-per-billion range. The former would require (preferably) a full digestion using 4 separate acids.
If you use EDXRF or NAA, you may not need to do any preparation of the sample (e.g. no acids). If you use portable XRF for metals, you will need to consider safe operation to avoid exposure to radiation, per the manufacturers guidelines.
Beside environment and health risk other factor one should consider is : Precision and accuracy, reliability and economy and it should not produce a error greater than 5%.
You have to validate the protocol of your extraction technique first.
Methods for the extraction of trace elements (from the fine fraction of wastes or even soil) -
I think the successful method can be judged by the following criteria:
- the extraction efficiency
- minimum environmental and health risks
- cost of extraction
Best regards
Hi Dear ,
Thanks for the question. I agree with Dr. Asit but before all this, The protocol must be validated as said by Dr. Mohd AZRIE Awang.
With my best regards!
Adel OUESLATI
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