Determination of gold and silver in dross using EDXRF technique

Abstract

Gold and silver in dross were determined by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. Sample was prepared by pressed pellet method using microcrystalline cellulose powder as binder, and a method of standard additions was used for quantification. Lβ X-ray of gold (11.4keV) and Kβ X-ray of silver (24.9keV) were used for analysis. The measured concentrations of gold and silver were 132±8 and 1181±84mgkg-1, respectively. The results were validated by instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. The t-test indicated that there was no significant difference between results obtained by the two techniques. Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence is a simple, precise and accurate technique for the determination of gold and silver in dross.