Application of X-ray fluorescence for the determination of the macro- and microelement content of plant samples

The X-ray fluorescence method was applied to determine the macro- and microelement content (K, Co, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Ga, As, Se, Br, Sr, Zr, Mo) of plant samples. As results indicate the X-ray fluorescence analysis is suitable for the quantitative analysis of samples of plant and animal origin, as well as for that of the soils of numerous components. The preparation of samples is simple, no special qualification is required. All components of a sample with a higher atomic number than the one of P can be determined at the same time. The instrument works automatically, by means of a simple, sample changing equipment; it works even continuously all day round and needs only minimal handling. The evaluation of the spectra may be done quickly and precisely by a computer. (author)