Comparison of synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence with conventional techniques for the analysis of sedimentary samples

A comparison is mode of elemental analyses of sediment samples (lake bottom sediments and sediments from the petroliferous Bazhenovka Formation) by fi ve competitive methods (synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence (SR-XRF), INAA, ICP-MS, AAS and traditional XRF). The object of this study was to ide ntify the most suitable analytical techniques for applications in sedimenta ry geochemistry. Advantages and shortcomings of the five techniques were co nsidered with respect to applications related to studies of palaeo-climate changes recorded in sedimentary cores from Lake Baikal and the geochemical stratigraphy of the Bazhenovka Formation, which is rich in organic material . We have concluded that SR-XRF was the best technique for producing extens ive analytical data series, from the point of view of its speed, ease of ap plication, cost, non-destructive nature and sensitivity, which allowed for the simultaneous determination of more than twenty elements of geochemical interest in small samples of sediments. An additional benefit of the method was demonstrated when used for the independent certification of geological reference materials. International reference samples BIL-1 and SDO-1 were certified by means of this method without use of reference materials. Analy ses were based on the physics of the theory of energy transport.