Potentially Toxic Elements Determination by X‐Ray Spectrometry

The detection of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is crucial for environmental monitoring and health diagnostics. This special issue of X-ray Spectrometry brings together pioneering research that demonstrates the suitability and versatility of X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) techniques in analyzing and quantifying PTEs across diverse applications. In the environmental field, the study “Investigation of Snow Cover Solid Phase Using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence Method for an Assessment of Environmental Pollution” applies Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF) to analyze snow cover samples in the Irkutsk region, revealing varying levels of contamination by elements like As, Pb, and Zn. This research illustrates TXRF's utility in monitoring industrial pollution in cold climates. The environmental impact of human activity is also explored in “X-ray Fluorescence Analysis of Mercury in Human Hairs Using a Secondary Target Placed Behind the Sample.” This work improves XRF sensitivity for Hg detection in human hair, offering a more accessible and cost-effective method for monitoring mercury exposure. Also, “Applicability of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence for Heavy Metal Analysis in Lake Baikal Sponges” demonstrates TXRF's ability to quantify metals such as Cu, Zn, and Fe in Baikal sponges, contributing to our understanding of pollution in this unique ecosystem. In another field application, “A Field-based Evaluation of Portable XRF to Screen for Toxic Metals in Seafood Products,” a portable XRF is used to examine elements like Pb, Cd, and As in seafood. Although the detection limits for portable XRF are worse than those of laboratory based spectrometers, the study demonstrates its practicality for rapid field screening, particularly in public health contexts. The review “Recent Advances in Ultra-trace Determination of Uranium in Natural Water Using Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) Spectrometry” highlights the challenges and advances in applying TXRF to uranium detection, underscoring the method's sensitivity and utility for environmental monitoring. In another novel application, “Platinum Determination by Membrane Complexation and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis—a preliminary study” a method for detecting platinum in aqueous samples using selective complexing membranes and EDXRF is presented. This research provides an important step toward assessing the environmental and health impacts of platinum, a metal with increased use in medicinal applications. Lastly, health diagnostics is represented by three inspiring studies. “Elemental concentration in Renal Stones by Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry” identifies heavy metals such as Zn, Cu, and As in renal stones, providing valuable insights into the pathogenesis of kidney stones. Additionally, “Elemental Studies and Mapping of Cholesterol and Pigment Gallstones Using Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy” reveals a higher concentration of heavy metals in pigment-type gallstones compared to cholesterol gallstones, offering new perspectives on gallstone composition. Finally, the aim of the study entitled “Monitoring of toxic metals and metalloids in the urine of non-professional sportsmen using total reflection X-ray fluorescence” was to determine the presence of toxic metals and metalloids in the urine of non-professional sportsmen who participated in a mountain ultramarathon using a benchtop TXRF spectrometer. The results obtained show that the content of toxic metals and metalloids increases in the urine samples collected after the race, which could confirm the statement that physical activity can increase the excretion of toxic metals and metalloids from the body. Collectively, these studies reflect the broad potential of XRF technologies in addressing PTEs detection and monitoring. We hope this collection will inspire further innovations in PTEs analysis and foster continued research in this essential field. The authors declare no conflicts of interest.