Quantitative determination of the mineral content of settleable particulate matter samples

Abstract

Settleable particulate matter (SPM) samples are characterised by having very similar qualitative compositions. Therefore, there is a need for a sensitive analysis method that can provide valid quantitative information when facing new research challenges. Establishing a valid and repeatable quantitative mineralogical analysis method is essential in order to establish limits to the concentration of certain mineral phases to, in turn, protect human health and ecosystems. An analytical and sample preparation protocol that can achieve the homogenisation of the standard and test samples has been designed, as well as the repeatability of the results obtained, with the following achievements: improving the samples’ level of homogeneity and the sensitivity in the detection of minority crystalline phases, and decreasing the likelihood of overlap. This study shows the possibility of applying the matrix-flushing adiabatic method to both oriented and randomly distributed samples, as well as the possibility of applying it interchangeably when preparing samples with finite or infinite thickness.