XRF Testing
Columbia Analytical offers field portable (FPXRF), transportable and fixed laboratory X-Ray Fluorescence (FTXRF) services. Using Spectrace Instrument's powerful field transportable Energy Dispersive X-Ray analyzer (Spectrace 6000 or QuanX benchtop models available), we can provide single and multiple element analyses of soil samples in as little as 15 minutes per sample. Reporting limits for FTXRF analyses are generally higher than either graphite furnace or ICAP methods but are usually well below most residential and non-residential cleanup limits.
We also offer field portable X-Ray Fluorescence (FPXRF) using the Metorex 880 field portable analyzer. This service can provide in-situ testing for specific elements of concern such as lead, arsenic, and chromium in as little as one minute per sample.
The following table shows Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Soil Remediation Levels (SRLs) for common environmental elements of concern for both FTXRF and FPXRF techniques.
| Element | SRL-Res (ppm) | SRL- Non Res (ppm) | Region IX PRG Res (ppm) | Region IX PRG Industrial (ppm) | FPXRF RL Limit (ppm) | FTXRF RL Limit (ppm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antimony | 31 | 680 | 31 | 410 | NA | 10 |
| Arsenic* | 10 | 10 | 22 | 260 | 100 | 10 |
| Cadmium | 38 | 850 | 37 | 450 | 100 | 10 |
| Chromium, Total** | 2100 | 4500 | 210 | 450 | 200 | 20 |
| Copper | 2800 | 63000 | 3100 | 41000 | 200 | 10 |
| Lead | 400 | 2000 | 400 | 750 | 100 | 10 |
| Mercury | 6.7 | 180 | 23 | 310 | 100 | 10 |
| Nickel | 1500 | 34000 | 1600 | 20000 | 200 | 20 |
| Selenium | 380 | 8500 | 580 | 2030 | NA | 10 |
| Silver | 380 | 8500 | 390 | 5100 | NA | 10 |
| Thallium*** | 6.1 | 140 | 5.2 | 67 | NA | 10 |
| Zinc | 23000 | 51000 | 23000 | 100000 | 300 | 10 |
Table 1. Arizona SRL, Region IX PRG, and XRF Reporting Limits
* Arsenic reporting limits are a function of the lead concentration
** Region IX PRG for chromium variable depending on Cr3+/Cr6+ ratio
*** Thallium SRLs variable depending on chemical bonding.
SRLs are from ADEQ Soil Remediation Standards Rule, December 4, 1997; Region IX PRG's October, 2002.
SRLs and PRG's in bold are below XRF capabilities.
Contact Information
3725 E. Atlanta Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
602.437.0330
602.437.0660 (fax)
Beth Proffitt, Lab Director
Maria Stradley, Business Development Manager
