This paper shows a simple, rapid and cost-effective method for multielement analyses of cosmetics. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) is used to determine the composition, particularly the presence of potentially toxic elements, of cosmetics. Three sample preparation methods based on suspension preparation were developed for different types of cosmetic samples, e.g. lipsticks, eye shadows and body creams. Limits of detection within the low mg kg(-1) range were obtained and enabled cosmetic screening for compliance with the legal thresholds for some major toxic elements. A good accuracy of the results on a wide range of concentration levels (>10000 mg kg(-1)) was found without the need of sample dilution. Results obtained for most elements in the lipstick and cream samples agreed with those obtained by the reference method recommended by the Food and Drug Administration, based on using inductively coupled plasma techniques after microwave digestion. However, for eyeshadow analysis, a more sophisticate approach is needed to improve the analytical results. (C) 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

This paper presents the successful application of total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (TXRF) for the identification of products obtained from mechanically separated meat (MSM), a very important issue for food quality and safety. According to the European Food Safety Authority, one of the most important parameters to distinguish MSM is the content of Ca. Consequently, the development of reliable and cost-effective analytical tools is very important to monitor the chemical composition of these foods. In this study, we have developed an analytical method for elemental analysis of meat samples based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence. A simple sample preparation by suspending the grinded meat sample in a solution of diluted Triton X-100 and polyvinyl alcohol in water showed to be the best for this kind of samples. Fresh chicken meat, chicken meat with different percentage of MSM, pure MSM and meat products prepared with MSM were analyzed. The content of K, Ca, Fe, Cu and Zn was determined. Results show that Ca, but also K and Fe are significant markers to distinguish MSM from fresh meat. A limit of 40% MSM for differentiation was achieved by applying principal component analysis. The method accuracy was evaluated comparing the obtained results with those obtained after acidic digestion and ICP-MS analysis.

The Stabilization of heavy metals from municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash by rice husk ash (RHA) is under intense study as an effective strategy to recover and reuse industrial and agricultural waste together. We compare the metal entrapment performances of RHA from different Asian rice sources – namely from Japonica rice grown in Italy and Indica rice grown in India – Physicochemical and morphological characterization of the final stabilized material show that the same thermal treatment may result in marked structural differences in the silica contained in the two RHA. Remarkably, one of them displays a crystalline silica content, although obtained by a thermal treatment below 800 °C. We also find that the presence of an alkali metal ion (potassium) in the rice husk plays a crucial role in the attainment of the final silica phase. These physicochemical differences are mirrored by different stabilization yields by the two RHA.

This study shows a reliable procedure to prescribe the preferential use of a material for food contact. Release tests with optimized parameters were performed on six different stainless steel accepted for the use in food contact: AISI 420, AISI 430, AISI 202, AISI 303, AISI 304, and AISI 316. Total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to measure the concentration of Cr, Mn and Ni in contact solutions from release tests. Results show that AISI 202 and 430 release the lowest amount of Mn, Cr and Ni. While, AISI 420 is the worst material, exceeding the limit set in the Italian regulation for all the three metals of interest. One sample was selected to test the reproducibility of TXRF measurements performed in three different laboratories around the world. Results show that quantitative analyses by means of TXRF satisfy the requirements of this field of application.

Coal fly ash can be considered either as an industrial waste material or as a valuable raw material. This is due to the fact that the main problem in recycling this ash is the possible presence of heavy toxic metals and the necessary reliable treatment to avoid their leaching into the environment. In this paper fluidized bed combustion (FBC) fly ash containing leachable arsenic (As) and vanadium (V) is stabilized with a new proposed technology, based on waste or by-product materials.In particular, silica fume, that is a by-product of the smelting process in the silicon and ferrosilicon industry [1], is the main stabilizing agent used in this work. It is employed here, for the first time, for stabilization of arsenic. Also other ash, containing calcium hydroxide, is employed in the stabilization process.The starting fly ashes and stabilized materials have been characterized. The results of leaching tests show that, despite the lower leachability of vanadium in respect to arsenic, the proposed method results effective in the entrapment of both elements. Based on the results of characterization a different stabilization mechanism is proposed for the two elements: vanadium seems to be stabilized by silica; concerning arsenic, it appears that calcium hydroxide acts as stabilizing agent for this element, probably due to formation of more stable phases. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The present work discusses a new method, based on the use of silica fume, for heavy metal stabilization. The inertization procedure is reported and compared with other technologies, involving the employ of amorphous silica as stabilizing agent for municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash treatment (i.e. colloidal silica and rice husk ash). The obtained final materials are characterized in terms of chemical composition and phase analysis. The reported method, realized at room temperature, employs all waste or by-product materials. As a consequence it appears to be economically and environmentally sustainable.