X‐ray fluorescence analysis — results of a first round intercomparison study

The results are presented of an intercomparison study between twelve investigators and three analytical techniques. The objective was to determine the precision and accuracy with which multi‐element analysis of air particulates on filters can be accomplished using energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry. Special emphasis was placed on testing calibration techniques and methods of correction for absorption in both particulate deposits and substrates. Results indicate that errors in calibration and correcting for substrate absorption can be reduced to much less than 10% for elements K and above, but the more work is required to test methods of correcting for particles size to achieve 10% accuracy at energies below 3 keV.