Harmful elements (Pb, Se, Cd, etc.) in the soil samples were measured by X-ray fluorescence (XRF) method.X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis has been used in various fields, such as material research, environmental research, quality control of products, etc. This is because XRF has unique advantages of rapid non-destructive quantitative analysis in air.mechanical behavior of soils is highly dependent on the particle microstructure. Traditional geotechnical engineering soil tests generally do not measure soil properties on a micro-scale; instead, macro scale properties are commonly used as estimates of microstructure properties in determining soil engineering behavior.Additionally, traditional geotechnical engineering soil tests are destructive in nature, and many test methods destroy the same soil properties they intend to measurepractice covers the determination of the quality of soil samples in thin wall tubes or of extruded cores by X-ray radiography. This practice enables the user to determine the effects of sampling and natural variations within samples as identified by the extent of the relative penetration of X-rays through soil samples. This practice can be used to X-ray cores (or observe their features on a fluoroscope) in thin wall tubes or liners ranging from approximately 2 to 6 in. (51 to 152 mm) in diameter. X-rays of samples in the larger diameter tubes provide a radiograph of major features of soils and disturbances, such as large scale bending of edges of varved clays, shear planes, the presence of large concretions, silt and sand seams thicker than 1/4 in. (6.4 mm), large lumps of organic matter, and voids or other types of intrusions. X-rays of the smaller diameter cores provide higher resolution of soil features and disturbances, such as small concretions (1/8 in. (3.2 mm) diameter or larger), solution channels, slight bending of edges of varved clays, thin silt or sand seams, narrow solution channels, plant root structures, and organic matter. The X-raying of samples in thin wall tubes or liners requires minimal preparation.

Good Luck Dr. Arkan

Despite the good results that we obtained when comparing XRF to acid digestion results, the last still a more accurate method to analyse soil samples (pseudo-total elements). You can also use the DTPA-extraction method to analyse the bio-available elements in the soil samples.

Best wishes

Thanks Dr.Prem and Dr.Ramez