Determination of manganese in airborne particulates in a dry-cell battery factory using X-ray fluorescence technique

Abstract

Feasibility of using X-ray fluorescence techniques for the determination of airborne manganese in dry-cell battery factories was investigated. Both Energy Dispersive (EDX) and Wavelength Dispersive (WDX) X-ray fluorescence techniques of analysis were used. The minimum detectable quantity of Mn by the EDX method was found to be 50 micrograms for membrane filter (AA type) and 100 micrograms for cellulose filter (pore size 2.5 microns), respectively, with a counting time of 2000 s. The most suitable exciting source was 1.11 GBq (30 mCi) Pu-238. The minimum detectable quantity of Mn by the WDX method was 10 micrograms, with a counting time of 100 s. Results of the X-ray fluorescence and the AA methods were found to be in good agreement. Field measurements were carried out in a dry-cell battery factory. Concentrations of airborne manganese in the factory were found to be 0.02-41.1 mg/m3.