Abstract: The methodology of direct hair analysis by energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence was studied. The effect on the XRF result of having a non-homogeneous radial distribution of the analyte in a single hair strand and the macroscopic effects in a bundle of hairs were calculated to evaluate possible systematic errors. The detection limits were mapped as a function of the target thickness and surface fraction. It appeared that a 10 mg cm−2 sample thickness, i. e. a target with about four layers of hair strands, is recommended. The standard deviation of this simple direct analytical method is 619% for some important elements. Discrepancies with neutron activation analysis had a mean value of around 15%. About twelve elements can be determined simultaneously on a routine basis.

Abstract: Spark source mass spectrometric analyses of doped carbon samples were performed at different pulse lengths, pulse frequencies and breakdown voltages. The pulse length and pulse frequencies had no influence on the analysis. The relation between breakdown voltage, spark gap and sample matrix was determined. With increasing breakdown voltage, the abundance of the multiply charged ions was found to decrease, whereas the abundance of the cluster ions increased. The breakdown voltage was also found to affect the absolute and relative intensities of different elements in different manners. Interpretation of these results led to some new considerations on the phenomena in a spark discharge.

Abstract: A laser microprobe mass analyser and a highly automated electron probe X-ray microanalysis unit have been used to study the elemental composition, inorganic speciation and morphology of atmospheric aerosols collected at various remote to polluted and marine to continental locations.

Abstract: By means of laser microprobe mass analysis (LAMMA) platinum was detected in the renal proximal tubular cells of a dog that had been intravenously adminstered the antitumor drug cisplatin (5 mg per kg body weight). No definite subcellular localization of the heavy metal was obtained. Sample prparation and analytical features are examined to increase spatial resolution of analysis while maintaining sufficient detection efficiency. The LAMMA method is destructive, but the amount and type of evaporated material can readily be determined when using LAMMA in combination with transmission electron microscopy. Instrumental optimization and standardization of mass signals is possible by using platinum-loaded, ion chelating resin beads embedded and sectioned with the tissue.

Abstract: Laser Microprobe Mass Analysis (LAMMA) was used in a preliminary study to characterize aerosol particles from a beach and inland sites and from a heavily industrialized area. As many as six types of both positive and negative mass spectra with different inorganic and organic signals could be distinguished in the different particle size ranges. Information about the elemental composition and the speciation of S and N was obtained. With increasing distance from sea, progressive uptake of nitrate in seasalt particles was found. Complex particles, containing soot and organic ammonium sulfate, were also detected.

Abstract: River sediments from all of the major drainage basins (except the Indus) in the Indian sub-continent were collected and analysed by thin-film X-ray fluorescence technique (XRF) to determine their chemical composition. On the basis of analysis of more than 120 samples, average chemical compositions of river-borne sediments from the Indian sub-continent have been calculated. Also, average concentration values for sediments from each of the river basins, and the sub-continent average and the inter-basin differences are discussed in relation to weathering processes in the drainage basins. Comparisons have been made with the chemistry of sediments from the Bay of Bengal (which receives the bulk of sediments delivered by Indian rivers). Our observations are discussed in the light of average chemical composition of world-river sediments and the world surface rock exposed for continental weathering.