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 50μg for membrane filter (AA type) and 100 / xg for cellulose filter (pore size 2.5μm), 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 10μg, 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.

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