Enrichment factor

The enrichment factor is a measure used to determine how much more of a specific element or compound is present in a sample compared to its natural abundance. It helps identify whether a material has been concentrated or enriched through processes like mining or pollution. For example, if a mineral sample has a higher-than-normal amount of a particular metal, the enrichment factor quantifies this increase. It's calculated by comparing the ratio of the element to a reference element in the sample versus their ratio in natural sources. This helps scientists understand the origin and processing history of the material.