Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence determination of major oxides in bottom and peat sediments for paleoclimatic studies.

The wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence method was applied to identify the distribution of major oxides within bottom and peat sediments containing organic matter of up to 70 wt.%. Samples were prepared as glass beads by fusing with lithium metaborate. The accuracy of results was assessed by flame photometry, spectrophotometry, and flame atomic absorption techniques. The proposed technique requires a sample weighing only 110 mg, which allows to analyze each centimeter of core collected at high-mountainous sites with undisturbed environment and eventually achieve uniquely high resolution of paleoclimatic reconstructions of global and regional climatic and environmental changes.