Determination of trace elements in Na-bentonitic clay by INAA in Turkey

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was applied to the determination of trace elements in a Na-bentonitic clay. The irradiation was done in the Triga Mark II type reactor of ITU Nuclear Energy Institute. The sample was irradiated in two steps for short- and long- lived isotopes. After irradiation, spectra were taken using a germanium detector, multichannel analyzer Canberra System 100 and a fitting program called Sampo 90. The spectra of short-lived isotopes were analyzed to determine Al, Mg, Na, K, Ca, Ti elements and Mn, V trace elements. The spectra of long-lived isotopes were analyzed to determine Sc, Br, Sb, Cs, La, Ce, Sm, Yb, Hf, Pa, Np trace elements.