Multiphased use of an X-MET 880 XRF to survey lead in soil at the Idaho National Engineering Laboratory

An X-ray fluorescence spectrometer was used in a multiphased approach to analyze soil samples for lead contamination. The objectives of this investigation were to characterize the spatial distribution of lead contamination, identify two areas of surficial soil with elevated lead concentrations (hot-spots), and quantify subsurface soil contamination at the hot-spots to evaluate the vertical migration of lead. Phase 1 consisted of using non-site-specific standards to calibrate the XRF instrument to qualitatively and semi-quantitatively assess lead contamination (Type 1 XRF analysis). Phase 2 involved selecting soil samples for off-site SW-846 analysis and using the results to develop a calibration model based on site-specific calibration standards (SSCS). The XRF was used in Phase 3 to obtained quantitative results (Type 2 XRF analysis)