Abstract

Clean water is one of the most valuable resources in the world. Unfortunately, due to human activities, large amounts of environmental contaminates have entered the water system. Detection of these contaminates is frequently performed by sending samples to labs for ICP-MS, ICP-OES, or AAS analysis. While these methods work, but they are often expensive, complicated, and sometimes slow. This study aims to develop a quick, low-cost X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) method for identifying trace metal contamination in natural waters by testing a variety of different filters and preparation methods to reduce the time and cost of analysis without sacrificing quality. This study established a method for the detection of trace elements in water using XRF by iteratively designing a program to analyze the elements iron, copper, and lead, and using it to test a variety of different filter types, preparation methods, and concentrations of elements. These results were then used to create calibration curves and calculate lower limits of detection and quantification for each element on each filter. This study found that XRF can be used as a method of detection for some trace elements, with iron and copper being detectable down to 0.5 ppm and 1 ppm respectively. This helps us better understand that XRF could be a viable method for environmental analyses of natural waters.

Advisor

Pollock, Meagen

Department

Earth Sciences

Keywords

XRF, water, water contamination, lead, iron, copper, trace metals, contamination

Publication Date

2026

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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