Neutron activation analysis of bottom and fly oil ashes

The concentrations of 25 elements in 7 oil ash samples were determinedby computerized systematic instrumental absolute neutron activation analysis.In the oil ash samples, the following mean concentrations (in ppm) of elementswere found: Al: 39531, As: 109, Ba: 1391, Ca: 29701, Ce: 295, Co: 1294, Cr:1485, Cs: 7.9, Dy: 4.5, Eu: 1.2, Fe: 53094, Ga: 146, Hf: 2.2, La: 1534, Mn:547, Na: 40277, Sb: 360, Sc: 2.3, Sm: 21, Sr: 674, Ta: 15.8, V: 130548, W:4.1, Yb: 0.9 and Zn: 3125. These findings were compared with the concentrationsof elements found in coal ash samples. The concentrations of Co, Na and Vwere significantly higher in the oil ash samples, while the concentrationof Sc was lower. The purpose of this study has been to determine the backgroundlevels of different elements in oil ash, in order to evaluate its potentialimpact on the environment.