Synchrotron radiation induced μ-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on municipal solid waste fly ashes

The high brightness of synchrotron radiation sources of the 3rd generation and the development of focusing optical elements for X-rays make it possible to create beams of micrometer size with high intensity. These beams can be used to reveal spatially resolved information about structural and chemical properties of particles. Here, the possibility of using synchrotron radiation micro-X-ray fluorescence (mu -SRXRF) for the determination of the major and minor components and their distribution within municipal solid waste (MSW) fly ashes has been investigated. By using an excitation energy of 27.0 keV, trace elements of environmental concern, like Cd, Pb and Zn can be detected to their low concentrations (ppm) routinely. The aim of the work was to gain a better understanding of the factors that determine the environmental mobility of each trace element and, in particular, the potential for their dissolution and leaching. Such detailed investigation of the content and distribution of toxic metals on/in individual particles is a valuable complement to the usual elemental analysis of bulk samples. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.