RAPID ANALYSIS OF SULFUR IN WHEAT-GRAIN BY X-RAY-FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY

The accurate analysis of sulphur and sulphur compounds in plant material has become a critical issue as a consequence of reduced availability of the element from the environment. A new application of a reproducible technique has been developed for the determination of sulphur in wheat grain using X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. This new application compares favourably with traditional wet chemical methods especially as it is non‐destructive. The sulphur content in wheut yruin measured by X‐ray ffuorescence spectrometry was found to have a lower variability and the speed of analysis was more rapid in comparison with the chemical method, enabling a faster throughput of samples. Because sample preparation is very important for accurate analysis, the problems associated with oven drying, milling and of pressing during pellet formation are discussed. Copyright © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd