Calibration of handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) equipment for optimum determination of elemental concentrations in sediment samples.

Handheld X-ray fluorescence spectrometers (XRFs) represent a more practical, efficient and economic tool to determine the elemental composition of solid inorganic and organic samples than conventional analytical techniques. The objective of this work was to demonstrate that handheld XRFs could be a precise, accurate and reliable tool to analyze up to 27 different elements. This objective was accomplished through the optimization of an empirical calibration curve that, in addition to include certified reference materials (CRM), it also introduced new approaches, such as the use of solid CRM mixtures and combinations of organic and inorganic matrices.