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THE MULTIELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER USING PROTON-INDUCED X-RAY EMISSION (PIXE)
Citation:
Simms, P. AND F. Rickey. THE MULTIELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER USING PROTON-INDUCED X-RAY EMISSION (PIXE). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/1-78/058.
Description:
A new, rapid, and economical method for the multielemental analysis of drinking water samples is described. The concentrations of 76 elements heavier than aluminum are determined using proton-induced x-ray emission (PIXE) technology. The concentration of sodium is evaluated using an atomic absorption approach. Targets for PIXE analysis are prepared from aqueous samples using a new 'vapor' filtration' technique. Each target is bombarded with protons, supplied by a nuclear generator. The resulting x rays are observed with an energy-sensitive semiconductor detector and the data recorded and processed with an on-line computer. Excellent detection limits (0.1 to 100 ppb) are obtained for most of the elements heavier than silicon.