Application Notes

Lead Analysis Using NIST Standards

A DELTA handheld XRF analyzer, configured in SmartShot Soil analysis mode, was used to measure Lead (Pb) in four NIST soil matrix standards and a blank. As shown below, analysis spectra can be easily overlaid and compared using the Delta PC Software. Here the user has zoomed in on the Pb La and Lb peaks for direct comparison.

Analysis results for the NIST standards are shown at right.

A 60 second measurement time was used.

Results shown in ppm.

+/- error shown is 2-sigma, 95% confidence.

NIST Std	Pb Value Given	Pb Value Measured	+/- Measured
SiO2 Blank	0	<2	-
NIST 2702	132.8	135	4
NIST 2709	18.9	20.2	1.9
NIST 2710	5525	5587	39
NIST 2711	1162	1158	11

A DELTA handheld XRF analyzer, configured in SmartShot soil analysis mode, was used to run repeat measurements on a reference soil sample, to demonstrate repeatability. As shown below, the DELTA PC Software can be used to overlay spectra from different readings for direct comparison and analysis.

A reference sample spiked with approximately 500ppm Pb (sample 408) was used for these repeat readings.

Each reading was analyzed for 60 seconds.

+/- error shown is 2-sigma, 95% confidence.

Sample Run	Pb ppm Value	+/-
1	511	7
2	512	7
3	514	7
4	521	7
5	514	7
AVG	514	7

Products Used for This Application

DELTA Environmental Handheld XRF Analyzer

DELTA Environmental Handheld XRF Analyzers test for dangerously high levels of RCRA, Priority Pollutant and hazardous metals in seconds. HHXRF is used for soils and sediments according to EPA 6200 and other SOPs, filters per NIOSH or OSHA methods, screening surfaces and measuring dust wipes for Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, and more.

DELTA Professional

Combining a Silicon Drift Detector (SDD) and a 4W optimized X-ray tube, the DELTA Professional provides superior performance in speed, LODs, and elemental range. It analyzes Mg and higher for Alloys and Mining. The DELTA Professional is the best value solution from Olympus for handheld XRF.