Applicability of a delta portable XRF spectrometer for determining geochemistry of glacial sediment samples collected in the Canadian Western Arctic

Abstract

The performance of Royal Roads University's Delta Premium DP 6000 portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer (Delta pXRF), specifically its accuracy and precision, was assessed on two certified standards for select elements. The Delta pXRF was shown to be precise for most elements. Its accuracy was shown to be inconsistent between the two standards, demonstrating the influence matrix effects have on the device's accuracy. The Delta pXRF was also used to analyze 20 glacial sediment samples from the Canadian Western Arctic for select elements. The results were compared with three conventional laboratory digestion methods. Comparison showed the Delta pXRF produced results most similar to total and near-total laboratory digestion methods. Many elements that differed from the laboratory results were shown to be suitable for recalibration. If its limitations are thoroughly understood, the Delta pXRF is a useful tool for guiding cost-effective geochemistry field programs focused on determining the geochemistry of glacial sediments.