Chemical Characterization of Organic Residues in Agroindustrial and Urban Waste using Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry

Abstract

Treated and reused industrial residues and urban waste are depicted as potential alternative sources for agricultural use. In this context, the objective of this study was to determine the chemical element concentrations in organic residues from the Medium-High Uruguay Region of the Rio Grande do Sul, using energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (EDXRF). The organic compounds analyzed were meat agroindustry sludge, organic composites from agribusiness meat, and organic compounds from urban waste (particle sizes: >4.75 mm, <4.75 mm to >2.00 mm, and <2.00 mm). The results showed that chemical elements found in greater concentrations were calcium, silicon, iron, aluminum, phosphorus, sulphur, and potassium. Thus, the EDXRF technique proves to be efficient for characterizing organic compounds and that these residues are appropriate as alternative sources of organic fertilizer that can be applied in an efficient and safe manner in agricultural systems.

Keywords:

• Energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectrometry
• multielement analysis
• organic fertilizer
• organic wastes