PIXE elemental analysis of mineral, tap and ground water

The mean concentrations of Al, Si, Cl, K, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn, As, Br, Rb and Sr have been determined in treated tap water, natural mineral, and untreated ground water of Iraq using non-destructive Proton Induce X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis in combination with pre-concentration technique. In order to increase analytical sensitivity of the most elements detected by PIXE method, water samples were pre-concentrated by evaporation at 50degC under atmospheric pressure, to obtain dry dissolved solids. A 2.0 MeV proton beam was employed to excite the samples. Certified reference materials (GSP-2) were used in order to verify accuracy of the PIXE technique and the experimental results were in a good agreement with certified values. The concentration of these elements varied from one city to other depending on the geographical locations where the samples were collected. Our results were within the permissible limits reported by Iraqi standards, European standards, and WHO guidelines for drinking water quality. The main objective of this work was to characterize and to monitor the trace elements in drinking water and untreated ground water of Iraq, as well as to provide valuable information about the levels of heavy metallic pollutions. (author)