Optimization of exposure time in pXRF protocols for high-precision geochemical mapping of heavy metals in soils
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2026.5.11Keywords:
anthropogenic degradation, environmental monitoring, exposure time, instrumental error, limit of detection (LOD)Abstract
This study provides a scientific substantiation of protocols for the use of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry for monitoring agricultural soils degraded by anthropogenic impacts, focusing on optimizing exposure time to enhance the reliability of in-situ heavy metal determination. Experimental work conducted with a Niton XL3t GOLDD analyzer on soil samples, with dwell times ranging from 30 to 300 seconds and the application of analysis of variance (ANOVA), established that for elements with low concentrations (below 50 ppm), such as molybdenum (Mo), uranium (U), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and scandium (Sc), a measurement duration exceeding 240–300 seconds is critical for signal stabilization above the limit of detection (LOD). Conversely, for elements with concentrations 50-100 ppm (strontium (Sr), rubidium (Rb), zirconium (Zr), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V)), stability of mean values is achieved as early as 60 seconds, although increasing the detection time remains a universal tool for minimizing random variability and narrowing confidence intervals. Based on the results, a differentiated approach to pXRF analysis regulation is scientifically justified: for rapid screening of elements with concentrations above 50 ppm, 60–90 seconds is sufficient, whereas for more precise monitoring of elements below this threshold, an extension of analysis time to 240–300 seconds is necessary to ensure data reliability for subsequent land remediation.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Oksana Datsko, Ihor Kovalenko, Yurii Spychak, Vitalii Yatsenko, Olha Bakumenko, Olena Melnyk
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