Elemental content in ground and soluble/instant coffee

The concentration of thirty-four elements in twelve coffee brands has been measured using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples investigated included four brands of commercially available ground coffee and eight brands of soluble/instant coffee. The elements measured were Al, As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, Yb and Zn. Twenty four elements were found to be below the detection limit in one or more samples. These elements were Ce, Cr, Fe, V, As, Eu, Ba, Dy, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Yb, Tm, and U.     

57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy of banded iron formations from eastern India

Samples of the mosses Hylocomium splendens and Pleurozium schreberi, collected in the summer of 1998, were used to study the atmospheric deposition of heavy metals and other toxic elements in the Chelyabinsk Region situated in the South Urals, one of the most heavily polluted industrial areas of the Russian Federation. Samples of natural soils were collected simultaneously with moss at the same 30 sites in order to investigate surface accumulation of heavy metals and to examine the correlation of elements in moss and soil samples in order to separate contributions from atmospheric deposition and from soil minerals. A total of 38 elements (Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, U) in soil and 33 elements Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Ag, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, U) were determined by epithermal neutron activation analysis. The elements Cu, Cd and Pb (in moss samples only) were obtained by atomic absorption spectrometry. VARIMAX rotated principal component analysis was used to identify and characterize different pollution sources and to point out the most polluted areas.     

Determination of 30 elements in coal and fly ash by thermal and epithermal neutron-activation analysis

Thirty elements are determined in coal and fly ash by instrumental neutron-activation analysis using both thermal and epithermal irradiation. Gamma-ray spectra were recorded 7 and 20 days after the irradiations. The procedure is applicable to the routine analysis of coals and fly ash. Epithermal irradiation was found preferable for the determination of Ni, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Sb, Cs, Ba, Sm, Tb, Hf, Ta, W, Th and U, whereas thermal irradiation was best for Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Yb and Lu. Results for SRM 1632 (coal) and SRM 1633 (fly ash) agree with those of other investigators.     

南极岩石样品中稀土元素的中子活化分析

用仪器中子活化分析技术,测定了南极岩石中8种稀土元素含量,讨论了不同岩石的稀土模式特点。     

Characterization of deep sea sediments by INAA for radioactive waste management purposes

An instrumental neutron activation analysis method, using both reactor flux and epi-cadmium neutrons, has been developed for the determination of major, minor and trace elements in sub-seabed sediments. The method involves two different irradiations followed by three different counting periods using high-resolution Ge(Li) and low-energy photon detectors. The list of elements determined includes Ag, Al, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Hf, Hg, I, In, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Pt, Rb, Re, Rh, Sb, Sc, Se, Si, Sm, Sn, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V. W, Yb, Zn, and Zr. The accuracy of the method has been evaluated by analyzing four different standard reference materials. The method has been applied to core samples collected from the Great Meteor East and the South Nares Abyssal Plain which are being evaluated as potential sites for the possible disposal of vitrified highly active waste.     

Chemical characterization of gas- and oil-bearing shales by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The concentration of As, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, and Zn were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in block shale samples of the New Albany Group (Devonian-Mississippian) in the in the Illinois Basin. Uranium content of the samples was as high as 75 ppm and interfered in the determination of samarium, molybdenum, barium and cerium. In the determination of selenium a correction was made for interference from tantalum. U, As, Co, Mo, Ni and Sb as well as Cu, V and pyritic sulphur which were determined by other methods, were found to correlate positively with the organic carbon content of the samples.     

Multielement standards in routine reactor neutron activation analysis

The application of multielement standards (MES) in routine neutron activation analysis brings a whole range of advantages. This paper deals with the experience obtained during many years of application of these MES. Nine of these MES contain a total of 50 elements in suitable combinations and concentrations; thus, the determination of most of the common elements by NAA can be carried out simultaneously. This refers to the following elements: Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, Te, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Re, Au, Hg, Th and U. For the determination of the remaining elements such as Zr, Ta, Ir etc., single element standards (SES) are used.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of trace elements in quartz

A scheme for INAA of 32 elements (As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, Hg, Ir, K, La, Lu, Mn, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Tb, Th, U, W. Yb, Zn) in quartz glass is proposed. The accuracy of the procedure is evaluated by the analysis of two NBS standard reference materials (SRM-1571 and SRM-1632-a). The method is convenient for routine work. The method was used for the determination of impurities in laboratory quartz glass. Dedicated to the 60th birthday of acad. prof. g. bliznakov     

INAA of IAEA-331 (spinach), SRM,for 40 elements

Forty elements in IAEA-331 (Spinach), an intercomparison material, have been determined using NAA. Among them, 30 elements, Ag, Al, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Rb, Re, Sc, Se, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, V, Zn and Zr were determined by INAA. A series of simple and quantitative radiochemical separation procedures were established for the determination of ten additional elements. Cd, Lu, Mo, Sb, Sm, Yb, U were determined by removing the major interfering nuclide⁸²Br. Cu was determined by 0.048M NaDDTC/CHCl₃ extraction from 1M HCl medium. As and P were determined using an inorganic exchange column of acid aluminium oxide (AAO). Integral counts from 80 keV to 130 keV contributed by Bremsstrahlung from³²P -were used to evaluate the content of phosphorus.     

Elemental content in wheat products of Al-Qusim region, Saudi Arabia using the INAA technique

Wheat is one of the most grown crops in Saudi Arabia. It is grown in various regions of the country. Accurate knowledge of the elemental concentrations in wheat and its products (bran and flour) is of great importance from a nutritional point of view. Wheat samples were obtained from the Al-Qusim region, 300 km northwest of Riyadh, and analyzed. Up to 50 elements (Al, Sb, As, Ba, Br, Cd, Ca, Cs, Cl, Cr, Co, Cu, Ga, Au, Hf, In, I, Ir, Fe, Mg, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, K, Rb, Sc, Se, Ag, Na, Sr, Ta, Te, Th, Sn, Ti, W, U, V, Zn, Zr, Ce, Dy, Eu, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb and Yb) were determined in the wheat products. It was observed that the elemental content of bran was much higher than that of white flour.     

Determination of elemental levels in radiopharmaceuticals by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied to thedetermination of the concentration levels of Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Sc, Ti, V,Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, I, Cs,Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, Hg, Th and U in three radiopharmaceuticals.The irradiation of the samples was carried out in a 0.5 kW Bariloche RA-6Research Nuclear Reactor and the induced gamma-activity was measured by gamma-spectrometry.INAA proves to be an accurate and precise technique to obtain a quick informationon the concentration levels of several minor and trace components in radiopharmaceuticals.The quantification of heavy toxic elements is required for the registrationof radiopharmaceuticals.     

Investigation of the vertical distribution of major and trace elements in Matita Lake (Danube Delta) sediments by activation analysis

The vertical profiles of two major elements (Na and Ca) and 24 trace elements (Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Sc, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Hf, Nb, Ta, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Sb and Br) have been investigated by neutron activation analysis in a 2.5 m core collected from the Danube Delta, Matita Lake. The data have been correlated with the concentrations of five major minerals (calcite, dolomite, feldspar, clay and quartz) as determined by X-ray diffration. This study revealed the presence of As, Sb and Br as pollutant microelements.     

Resonance neutrons for determination of elemental content of moss,lichen and pine needles in atmospheric deposition monitoring

Experience in the use of epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) in the monitoring of atmospheric deposition by means of moss, lichens and pine needles is summarized. It is shown that 45 elements (Mg, K, Ca, Al, Cl, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni (using (n,p)-reaction), Zn, Cu, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th and U, as well as Ir and Re in pine needles in the presence of anthropogenic pollution by the nickel mining plant) are reliably determined. Examples of the use of lichens, moss and pine needles as biomonitors of atmospheric deposition in Franz Josef Land the Kola peninsula and in the Tver region are given.     

NAA and ICP analysis of obsidian from Central Europe and the Aegean: Source characterisation and provenance determination

INAA and ICPES are compared for their discriminative power in obsidian source characterisation. Geological samples from the Aegean and Carpathian sources were analysed for Na, Sc, Fe, Co, Rb, Sb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, Th, U by INAA and for B, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Y, Yr, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf by two ICPES procedures. It is shown that all techniques work successfully, however, INAA is more efficient in the chemical discrimination of neighbouring sources.     

Instrumentelle Aktivierungsanalyse an Lunarem Material

Lunar soil samples of the Luna 16 Luna 20 missions were analysed by neutron activation in a neutron generator and a nuclear reactor, respectively, and following gammaspectrometry by NaI(T1) and Ge(Li) detectors. By 14 MeV neutron activation there were determined the abundances of 5 major elements (O, Mg, Al, Si, Fe) and by reactor activation the abundances of 18 major and trace elements (Na, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Th) and the detection limits of 4 additional elements (As, Rb, Sb, Cs). The standard rocks BM and GM of the ZGI were used as standards in the reactor activation analysis.     

Determination of impurities in semiconductor grade silicon by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been applied to semiconductor grade silicon to study the concentration levels of impurity elements, the contamination during the single crystal growing process, and the vertical and radial distributions of impurities, along with the decontamination effect in the analysis. Twenty elements of Au, Br, As, W, Cr, Co, Na, Eu, La, Se, Zn, U, Th, Hf, Fe, Sb, Ag, Ce, Tb and Ta have been analyzed in p- and n-type wafers, single crystals and a polycrystal by a single comparator method using two comparators of gold and cobalt. Considerable surface contamination has been found and could be removed by etching the surface with nitric and hydrofluoric acid before and after irradiation. The impurity concentration has been found to be generally increased in the process of single crystal growth. The vertical and radial distributions of impurities have revealed that some impurity elements were more concentrated in the top region of a single crystal rod than in the middle region, and that Br, Cr, La, Eu and Sb were enriched in the central region and As, U and Fe in the outer region.     

Intercomparison of moss reference material by different multi-element techniques

An intercomparison of data obtained for a moss reference material (Hylocomium splendens) used as biomonitor of atmospheric deposition by different multi-element techniques is presented. In total 43 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ag, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, U) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), conventional instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and as well as shorttime neutron activation analysis without and with a⁶LiD-converter. Advantages and drawbacks of each method are discussed. The introduction of moss reference materials for atmospheric multi-element deposition studies involving nuclear analytical techniques is strongly recommended.     

Determination of Impurities in Gallium Oxide by NAA

Neutron activation analysis has been applied to determine 12 elements, viz. Na, Mn, As, Fe, Co, Zn, Se, Sc, Cr, Sb, Hf and Ta in high-purity Ga₂O₃. The first 7 elements could be determined by anion exchange separation and isopropyl ether extraction, and the last 8 elements by instrumental method. It is recommended that the first 3 elements are determine by one of the radiochemical modes and the others by the instrumental method.     

Atmospheric deposition of heavy metals in Romania studied by the moss biomonitoring technique employing nuclear and related analytical techniques and GIS technology

This is the first systematic study of air pollution from heavy metals and other trace elements throughout several industrialized areas and national parks of Eastern Romanian Carpathians using the moss biomonitoring technique. Samples ofHylocomium splendens collected at 120 sites were analyzed by epithermal neutron activation analysis at the pulsed fast reactor IBR-2 at JINR, Dubna, for a wide range of elements including heavy metals and rare earths (Na, Mg, Al, Cl,K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni (by (n,p) reaction), Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Mo, Ag, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, and U). Copper, lead and cadmium were determined by AAS. Certified Reference Standards of mosses produced for interlaboratory comparisons in the European moss-survey 1995 were used to ensure the quality of the measurements. To present results in the form of coloured contour maps the geographical information system GIS-INTEGRO was used. The regional extent of pollution with specific metals was determined. Results reported are well consistent with those obtained in numerous recent projects carried out in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Bulgaria and other countries.     

Strategy for water analysis using ICP-MS

The developed strategy permits determination in three steps of sixty-seven elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Sodium, Mg, Si, S, Cl, K, and Ca are determined in a first step; B, Al, P, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, and Pb are determined in a second step; and Li, Be, Ti, V, Co, Ga, Ge, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Te, I, Cs, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au, Tl, Bi, Th, and U are analyzed in a third step. The figures of merit obtained are adequate to carry out water quality monitoring and other hydrochemical studies, such those based in the application of hydrochemical fingerprinting to water management.