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Open Access | Published on October 5, 2025

On-site elemental analysis of environmental waters using portable XRF

Riikonen Joakim
Tiihonen Tommi
Rahmani Arezoo
Nissinen Tuomo
Haluska Ondrej
Tamarov Konstantin
Pennanen Toni
Turhanen Petri
Vepsäläinen Jouko
Lehto Vesa-Pekka
Abstract

Rapid on-site detection of metals in water is essential for timely environmental assessment, especially in remote areas or time-critical situations. In this work, we present a portable measurement system that combines preconcentration filters with a portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer. Filters for Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and U were fabricated using nanoporous silicon or silicon carbide with polymeric binders, while arsenic was captured using ferrihydrite-based filters. Water samples were collected from lakes, boreholes, and wells, and measured on-site. Detection limits as low as 12 µg/L for metals and 1.3 µg/L for arsenic were achieved, depending on sample volume. Results were validated against laboratory ICP-MS analysis. The lightweight, battery-operated setup enables field deployment with total measurement times as short as 15 minutes, offering a practical tool for preliminary screening and environmental monitoring in challenging conditions.

Keywords
On-site metal analysis, Portable XRF, Water quality monitoring, Trace metals detection