APPLICATION OF FACTOR-ANALYSIS IN EDXRF

The application of factor analysis in EDXRF as a method for evaluation of elemental concentrations and calculation of net peak areas is demo nstrated in two examples. A quantitative PCR-analysis of sulphur inter fered with by molybdenum could be performed by using the XRF-spectra a s input with a standard error of analysis (SEA) below 0.2 mg/g for aqu eous and 3.6 mg/g for solid samples. By using PCR-predicted net peak a reas as input for the empirical evaluation method developed by Lucas-T ooth and Price, the SEA for solid samples could be decreased to 2.3 mg /g. The comparison of PCR to PLS showed no significant difference.