Summary
This study demonstrates that portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) can serve as a rapid, field-deployable tool for quality control of blended and locally sourced fertilisers. Empirical calibrations were developed and validated for nine macronutrients and micronutrients (achieving R² ≥ 0.97, except iron at 0.55) and six trace element contaminants (Co, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Pb; R² ≥ 0.80 at calibration). The approach addresses the limitations of conventional, costly laboratory methods by enabling high-throughput detection of nutrient content and potentially hazardous contaminants that accumulate in soils and crops.
UK applicability
The findings are potentially applicable to United Kingdom fertiliser manufacturers and regulators seeking cost-effective, rapid quality assurance methods compliant with nutrient and contaminant standards. However, the abstract does not specify the geographic origin of the study or whether UK-sourced fertilisers were included in the validation dataset, limiting certainty about direct transferability to UK supply chains.
Key measures
R² values for nutrient and trace element calibration models; validation R² values; regression coefficients; prediction accuracy across concentration ranges (0–100 mg kg⁻¹, up to 1000 mg kg⁻¹)
Outcomes reported
The study developed and validated empirical calibrations for portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectrometry to measure macro and micronutrients (Mg, P, S, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Mo) and trace element contaminants (Co, Ni, As, Se, Cd, Pb) in fertilisers. High-accuracy predictions were achieved for most nutrients and contaminants at higher concentrations, though performance was variable at lower concentration ranges.
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