title: Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry technique as an efficient monitoring tool for mercury contamination.
abstract: This paper illustrates the useful early-warning role of the energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique against a potential health hazard being posed by dumping effluents from an industrial unit involved in the manufacture of lead-batteries, in a nearby water-canal used for irrigation purposes by surrounding villages. These effluents were shown to contain mercury at a potentially unsafe level, resulting in timely initiation of necessary preventive measures. The standard fundamental parameter method was invoked for a quantitative estimation of the mercury (Hg) concentration. In addition, L-series (rather than the usual K-series) X-rays were used for excitation, mainly on account of the type of the available excitation source.
authors.affiliation: Nuclear Research Laboratory, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, 400 085, Bombay, India.
authors.forename: C K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: C L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Bhat
authors.forename: G S
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Lodha
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Koul