Abstract:

This study established a rapid, direct measurement method for cadmium (Cd) in rice using a bench-top energy
dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Due to the low sensitivity of ordinary energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence
spectrometer, this research work was focused on improving the signal-to-noise ratio of Cd by combination of X-ray
fluorescence spectroscopic theoretical analysis and sample cup experiments. At the same time, interference signals of escape
peaks have been eliminated. This method allowed direct detection of cadmium in 18 min without any sample pre-treatments,
and with RSD below 10% and a detection limit of 0.054 mg/kg, and the linear range of the working curve was from 0.06
to 1.0 mg/kg. Consistent results were obtained for real rice samples in comparison with inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS). It has been proved as a rapid screening method for Cd in rice on site.

Key words: rice, cadmium, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence