Geetha Rajesh	University of Massachusetts Lowell Department of Chemistry Ryan Research Group

The analytical capabilities of the Field Portable X-Ray Fluorescence will be studied and compared with the laboratory method of Atomic Emission Spectroscopy. This project aims at using nondestructive FPXRF and DCP AES to analyze heavy metal contamination in Boston Harbour sediments and also sediments obtained from sites at Salisbury, Rockport, Rowley, MA. Data will be analyzed for precision and accuracy of the measurement. FPXRF requires minimal sample preparation in comparison to DCP AES where the sediment samples will be subject to microwave acid digestion to achieve total sample decomposition.

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