Analysis of waste water by x-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Methods of specimen preparation for the x-ray fluorescence analysis of water are described. For direct determination of impurities in waste water samples, quasi-solid specimens based on gelatin (agar) are proposed. Such specimens may also be used after extractive enrichment of impurities and their re-extraction into the aqueous phase. For organic specimens, those in the form of organogels or thin polymer films can be obtained directly. For group impurity concentration it is proposed to use low-temperature directed crystallization of water with subsequent obtaining of glassy saccharose-based specimens from aqueous concentrates. The techniques developed were applied to determine Ag, As, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn impurities in waste waters. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.