In-situ assessment of metal contamination via portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: Zlatna, Romania

Weindorf, DC; Paulette, L; Man, T

HERO ID

1798808

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2013

Language

English

PMID

23906556

HERO ID 1798808
In Press No
Year 2013
Title In-situ assessment of metal contamination via portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy: Zlatna, Romania
Authors Weindorf, DC; Paulette, L; Man, T
Journal Environmental Pollution
Volume 182
Page Numbers 92-100
Abstract Zlatna, Romania is the site of longtime mining/smelting operations which have resulted in widespread metal pollution of the entire area. Previous studies have documented the contamination using traditional methods involving soil sample collection, digestion, and quantification via inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy or atomic absorption. However, field portable X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (PXRF) can accurately quantify contamination in-situ, in seconds. A PXRF spectrometer was used to scan 69 soil samples in Zlatna across multiple land use types. Each site was georeferenced with data inputted into a geographic information system for high resolution spatial interpolations. These models were laid over contemporary aerial imagery to evaluate the extent of pollution on an individual elemental basis. Pb, As, Co, Cu, and Cd exceeded governmental action limits in >50% of the sites scanned. The use of georeferenced PXRF data offers a powerful new tool for in-situ assessment of contaminated soils.
Doi 10.1016/j.envpol.2013.07.008
Pmid 23906556
Wosid WOS:000326661700011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Metals; Zlatna; Spatial variability; Lead; Arsenic