Prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis for multi-element determination in sediment samples

A facility for the irradiation of internal targets has been installed at the research reactor FRG-of the GKSS Research Center. Thermal-neutron induced prompt gamma radiation was detected by pair spectrometer. With this experimental arrangement concentrations of the major and mino elements Na, Al, Si, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cl, and S, as well as of the trace constituents Cr Ni, Cu Cd, and Hg of samples from a sediment core of the Elbe River could be determined. The results indicate, that prompt gamma-ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) is a powerful instrumental tool for a complete characterization of the main sediment constituents and for the detection of the trace elements Cd and Hg which are of considerable ecological relevance.