LOW IMPURITIES IN SCLEROGLUCAN AQUEOUS SYSTEMS: REMOVAL PROCESSES CONTROL BY TOTAL REFLECTION X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS

Abstract

ABSTRACT The aim of this work was to use the determination of trace elements by total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) for the performance study of three final purification methods of polysaccharide systems. TXRF shows two indispensable advantages to accomplish this study: the small quantities of sample required for the analysis and the avoidance of digesting the organic material. Aqueous scleroglucan systems with only impurity traces were studied, from diluted solutions to gels. The most efficient purification process was selected for each range of concentration.