Direct determination of metal concentrations in freshwater algae by total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Abstract

A direct TXRF method for the determination of metal impurities by applying three different freshwater algae, viz., Chlorella keslerii, Synehococcus sp. and Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii, was developed. The applicability of the slurry sampling technique was confirmed by comparing the analytical results obtained with those obtained by total digestion of the algae. The concentration data showed an acceptable agreement for Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn. The calculated accumulation factors for the metals detected were highest for Chlorella keslerii.