Evaluation of the uncertainty of element determination using the energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence technique and the emission–transmission method

A detailed study of the uncertainty quantification procedure for the determination of element mass fractions in a soil matrix by using energy‐dispersive x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry and the emission–transmission method was carried out. The particular case of secondary target excitation with an Mo target and Mo anode x‐ray tube was addressed. The effects of simplification of the theoretical model on the determined mass fractions of elements were studied. The main contributions to the uncertainty were identified and the ways of reducing their magnitude were indicated. The approach was found to be helpful in designing an optimum analytical strategy. It can also be used as guidance for assessing the uncertainty in other modes of x‐ray fluorescence analysis.