Rutherford Backscattering and X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Sediments

Sediments from Algiers bay were analysed by means of x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS). The RBS analysis allowed the determination of the matrix composition of the sediments, which was used for the XRF analysis. Quantitative analyses with the XRF and RBS systems were performed by using an x-ray tube and a 3.75 MV Van de Graaff accelerator, respectively. The results give information about the concentration levels of Mn, Cu, Zn and Pb in the superficial sediments (fine fraction) in the coastal zone.