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In these studies, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence (WDXRF) was used to examine differences in the elemental composition of agricultural samples, comparing healthy and diseased samples of okra, papaya, and rice. Both the mineral nutrient profiles (macro and micronutrients) and toxic metals were examined, revealing common patterns.

Application of Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence to Agricultural Disease Research

Lamellar structures, which are common in many polymeric materials and biological tissues, can diffract X-rays and give rise to reflections at small scattering angles. Analysis of these scattering features can be used investigate the deformation of lamellar structures at the microstructural length.

Small-Angle X-ray Scattering from Lamellar Structures

In X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, physical traceability chains are used to quantify the absolute elemental content in a sample. The physical traceability chain relies on absolute knowledge of the X-ray spectral distribution used for the excitation of the instrument and is currently used at synchrotron radiation facilities. Here, we discuss the transfer of the physical traceability chain to laboratory-based X-ray sources, which are often polychromatic, with the view to generate wider application of quantitative XRF analysis.

Polychromatic and Microfocused X-ray Radiation for Traceable Quantitative X-ray Fluorescence Analysis

In the agrifood sector, soil sampling and analysis is a prerequisite for accurate fertilizer management and to monitor the accumulation of heavy metals in soils. In this study, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to analyze soils with variable textures (clay and sandy) and the percent recovery of elements was compared, as a measure of accuracy.

Energy Dispersive XRF in Soil Analysis for the Agrifood Sector

As this study demonstrates, energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) and multivariate statistical analysis can be used to distinguish different classes of historical artifacts, such as ancient pottery—revealing insights about theirs origin and uses.

Studying the Source of Raw Material and Glaze Formula of Sky Green “Ru-type Ware” and Ru Kuan Ware by EDXRF

What can spectroscopic techniques, such as portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF), reveal about the sarsen megaliths of Stonehenge and where they originated? David Nash, a professor of physical geography at the University of Brighton in Brighton, United Kingdom, is exploring this question. We recently spoke with Professor Nash about his team’s discovery and what it means for the future of archaeology.

Using Portable X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (PXRF) to Explore the Origins of the Sarsen Megaliths at Stonehenge

Here, a series of developing methods is presented for locating and analyzing deeply buried late Pleistocene archaeological sites, which includes the initial investigation of the geomorphology of a potential archaeological site with a suite of analytical geochemical techniques.

Archaeological, Geochemical, and Remote Sensing Applications in the Search for Pleistocene Landscapes of New England

Phosphogypsum can be used as an intermediary material to produce cement clinker. To monitor the quality of phosphogypsum cement, a novel molecular layer deposition X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis method using a glass frit was developed.

An X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) Analysis of a Molecular Layer Deposition (MLD) Method Used in Producing Cement from Phosphogypsum

In our annual presentation of trends in X-ray analysis, experts in the field provide updates on recent developments in X-ray analysis, focusing on the technique and relevant applications. 

Recent Developments in X-ray Analysis

Jerome Workman Jr. serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and is currently with Unity Scientific LLC. He is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University and U.S. National University. He can be reached at jworkman04@gsb.columbia.edu.

L. Robert Baker is an associate professor at The Ohio State University in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. His research focuses on X-ray spectroscopy, nonlinear and time-resolved spectroscopy, the chemistry of surfaces and interface science, and energy conversion and catalysis—work that may lead to better solar energy conversion materials. He is the winner of the 2021 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, which is presented by Spectroscopy magazine. This annual award, begun in 2017, recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist, selected by an independent scientific committee.