A Matrix Effect Correction Method for Portable X-ray Fluorescence Data
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript deals with a more complete multiple regression analysis for treating portable XRF data, specifically trace element analysis. The method is well presented and supported by statistics.
I would recommend the manuscript for publication after revision of the following points:
Some small comments:
Line 70: please provide reference to the manufacturer of the portable spectrometer
- Results and discussion
- Please describe how and which software you use to perform these regressions and scatter plots.
- Please provide higher resolution figures, they are quite low in quality.
- I would recommend putting a figure that shows the different XRF spectra exemplary for each class of reference material.
- Can you comment on the feasibility and sensitivity to detect Mg and Al ? (Here again the spectrum would help to visualize this)
A general comment:
Can you comment on the fact that you use 40 kV for performing the whole regression “equally” for very different elements (with different atomic number). The coefficients alpha-i, alpha-j, and u-I, are affectect by instruments conditions. How about using different voltages: for example 10 kV for elements with Z<30. And another thing, is there a possibility to use filters in the acquisition of the spectra? How would this affect the reference values you calculate?
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: 
Author Response.docx
Reviewer 2 Report
The article is interesting on pXRF analysis using 16 certified reference materials. Some major elements were selected as correction indicators to correct the analysis results with application of a new method based on multiple linear regression analysis.
On the first look article is interesting, but I can't say if the samples are enough to support a new correction method.
Background on specific (similar samples) could be enhanced with new literature (last 3 years).
Also quality of images is low.
Author Response
Please see the attachment
Author Response File: Author Response.docx
