The rapid determination of trace elements in soils and plants by x-ray fluorescence analysis.

A semiquantitative method of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry using a manual spectrometer has been developed for the rapid determination of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Pb in soils and Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb and Sr in plants. An approximate analysis time for one soil is 20 min and for one plant sample is 15 min. Matrix corrections are based on the concentration of Fe2O3 and the background count rates of the sample and a standard. The results of quantitative XRFS analysis of United States Geological Survey rocks and of Standard Kale are given.