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ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION REPORT - FIELD PORTABLE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYZER - SCITEC, MAP SPECTRUM ANALYZER
Citation:
Hess, E. AND P. Splichal. ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY VERIFICATION REPORT - FIELD PORTABLE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYZER - SCITEC, MAP SPECTRUM ANALYZER. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, EPA/600/R-97/147 (NTIS PB2001-101792), 1998.
Description:
In April 1995, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sponsored a demonstration of field portable X-ray fluorescence (FPXRF) analyzers. The primary objectives of this demonstration were (1) to determine how well FPXRF analyzers perform in comparison to standard reference methods, (2) to identify the effects of sample matrix variations on the performance of FPXRF, (3) to determine the logistical and economic resources needed to operate FPXRF analyzers, and (4) to test and validate an SW-846 draft method for FPXRF analysis. The demonstration design was subjected to extensive review and comment by the EPA's National Exposure Research Laboratory, EPA Regional and Headquarters Superfund technical staff, the EPA's Office of Solid Waste-Methods Section, and the technology developers.
This demonstration found that the MAP Spectrum Analyzer was simple to operate in the field. This FPXRF analyzer is used only in the in situ mode which means it analyzed samples in minimally disturbed soil. The operator required no specialized training or experience to operate the analyzer. Ownership and operation of this instrument may require specific licensing by state nuclear regulatory agencies. There are special radiation safety training requirements and costs associated with this type of licensing.
The MAP Spectrum Analyzer can provide rapid, real-time analysis of the metals content of soil samples at hazardous waste sites. The analyzer can quickly distinguish contaminated areas from non-contaminated areas allowing investigation and remediation decisions to be made more efficiently on-site which may reduce the number of samples that need to be submitted for confirmatory analysis.