X-Ray Spectrometric Analysis of Trace Elements in Rocks.Correction for Instrumental Interferences

Investigating trace element determination in rocks and taking into account possible instrumental interferences,it is shown that the general relationship between I (net peak intensity) and c (fluorescent element concentration) is (I - Io)M = Ac + B where M is the matrix effect correction factor and A is a constant proportional to the efficiency of excitation; B and Io correspond to the intensities due to, respectively , the scattering (especially, by the sample) of any instrumental interfering radiation, and a possible stray emisision by the instrument itself.Using this equation under optimized conditions allows interferences as high as 200 ppm (if expressed in equivalent concentration) to be compensated without any significant decrease regarding the general accuracy of determinations. [NOT CONTROLLED OCR]