Synchrotron radiation induced mu-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on municipal solid waste fly ashes

The high brightness of synchrotron radiation sources of the 3rd generation and the development of focusing optical elements for X-rays make it possibl e to create beams of micrometer size with high intensity. These beams can b e used to reveal spatially resolved information about structural and chemic al properties of particles. Here, the possibility of using synchrotron radi ation micro-X-ray fluorescence (mu -SRXRF) for the determination of the maj or and minor components and their distribution within municipal solid waste (MSW) fly ashes has been investigated. By using an excitation energy of 27 .0 keV, trace elements of environmental concern, like Cd, Pb and Zn can be detected to their low concentrations (ppm) routinely. The aim of the work w as to gain a better understanding of the factors that determine the environ mental mobility of each trace element and, in particular, the potential for their dissolution and leaching. Such detailed investigation of the content and distribution of toxic metals on/in individual particles is a valuable complement to the usual elemental analysis of bulk samples. (C) 2001 Elsevi er Science B.V. All rights reserved.