Trace elemental composition of Nigerian coal measured by neutron activation analysis

The instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique has been used to determine 17 major, minor, and trace elements in samples of the three major sources of Nigerian coal. The NBS Standard Reference Material, Coal SRM 1632, was also analyzed, for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of the method. The results obtained with it were in good agreement with the NBS certified values. The concentrations of the major elements determined for the Nigerian coal were found to be much lower than the mean values of those reported for coal samples from other parts of the world.     

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.     

A study of the elemental composition of diabases by instrumental neutron activation and X-ray fluorescence analysis

The distribution of the elemental composition was studied mainly for microelements in the diabases of the Pechenga suite subjected to various changes. Investigations were conducted by a combination of instrumental neutron activation INAA and X-ray fluoresence XRFA analyses. The INAA was conducted with sample weights of 20–100 mg exposed to irradiation in a nuclear reactor by a flux of neutrons ≈10¹³ n·cm⁻²·s⁻¹. Measurements were carried out by means of a semi-conductor gamma-spectrometer with a Ge(Li) detector. The determination of Al, Mn, Mg, Ti, V, Ca was conducted by short-lived isotopes, while the determination of Na, Sc, Fe, Co, Cr, Hf, Th, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu by longlived ones. For XRFA samples weighing up to 2 g were irradiated by means of an¹⁰⁹Cd isotope source and were measured by a spectrometer with a Si(Li) detector and beryllium window. By this method we determined the Sr, Zr an Nb contents. Continuous distribution histograms were plotted for the concentration of 22 elements and some of their ratios. Considerable variations in microelemental composition observed in a number of cases make it possible to assess the character of past processes of diabasic change.     

Determination of elemental concentrations in environmental plant samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The intake of leafy vegetables in daily diet is very important to meet our nutritional needs. Vegetables provide the essential elements which are necessary and recommended for human growth. However, due to rapid industrialization and urbanization our environment becomes polluted and this affects the normal growth of agricultural products and composition of environmental species. The elemental concentrations present in the environmental samples are good indicators to assess the toxicological levels due to pollution affects. In the present work we have analysed several vegetable plant samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis to determine the elemental concentrations at major, minor and trace levels. The leafy vegetables like spinach, red leafy veagetable, pui, gourd leaf, lettuce and katoua were chosen as these are extensively consumed by local peple in eastern part of India. We have determined 15 elements in the above mentioned vegetable samples and some of these are essential elements and some are toxic elements. It was found that Na and K were present as major elements, Fe and Zn as minor elements and As, Ce, Cr, Co, La, Mo, Rb, Sc, Sm, Sr as trace elements. The concentration level of Cr was found to be higher than that of recommended value certified by WHO and National environment quality control for human consumption. The validation of our analytical results have been performed by the Z-score tests through the determination of concentrations of the elements of interest in certified reference materials.     

Determination of the elemental distribution in cigarette components and smoke by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Cigarette smoking is a major source of particles released in indoor environments. A comprehensive study of the elemental distribution in cigarettes and cigarette smoke has been completed. Specifically, concentrations of thirty elements have been determined for the components of 15 types of cigarettes. Components include tobacco, ash, butts, filters, and cigarette paper. In addition, particulate matter from mainstream smoke (MS) and sidestream smoke (SS) were analyzed. The technique of elemental determination used in the study is instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results show that certain heavy metals, such as As, Cd, K, Sb and Zn, are released into the MS and SS. These metals may then be part of the health risk of exposure to smoke. Other elements are retained, for the most part, in cigarette ash and butts. The elemental distribution among the cigarette components and smoke changes for different smoking conditions.     

Determination of copper in biological samples by substoichiometric neutron activation analysis

A method has been described for the determination of trace amounts of copper in biological samples by thermal neutron activation analysis, involving radiochemical separation of copper from irradiated matrix employing substoichiometric extraction of Cu/II/ with 2-mercaptobenzothiazole /2-HMBT/ into chloroform. 4.01 g of Cu/II/ can be determined with an accuracy of 3.13% and precision of 1.08%.     

Determination of copper in high-purity tin by reactor neutron activation analysis

For the determination of very low concentrations of copper in tin, an analytical method involving reactor neutron activation was developed whereby the copper activity was separated from the tin matrix by extraction of the Cu(I) cuproin complex in n-amyl alcohol. A new decontamination technique was sought in order to remove the copper contamination present on the tin surface. Pre-irradiation removal of the tin surface combined with post-irradiation etching appeared to be the most efficient.     

Comparison of elemental composition of hair between osteoporotic and normal women by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was carried out on hair samples from a group of twenty patients undergoing a study of osteoporosis. Half of these were judged normal. Fourteen elements were measured but only calcium was found to have a correlation with the disease state. Calcium levels in hair were significantly lower (99% confidence level) in patients with osteoporosis. Conversely, calcium levels in the blood of osteoporotic patients were significantly higher (95% confidence level) than those in normals. Though the group studied was small it is felt that the levels of calcium in hair may be of value in diagnosing osteoporosis.     

Determination of elemental levels in medicinally important Indian leaves by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Levels of As, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Sr, Th, Zn, and U have been determined in ten leaves widely used in ayurvedic medicine by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The neutron irradiations were performed with a 100 kW Triga nuclear reactor and the induced activity was counted with a gamma-ray spectrometer. Based on elemental levels obtained the utility of these leaves in medicine are discussed.     

Determination of copper in some Myanmar indigenous medicines by neutron activation analysis

Copper was determined in two Myanmar indigenous medicines by neutron activation analysis using an Am (Be) radionuclide neutron source. The activity of 511 keV peak of the⁶⁴Cu was measured.     

Rare-earth elemental analysis of banded iron-formations by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Representative banded iron-formations (BIFs) from various locations of the eastern Indian geological belt were investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). After pre-concentration, irradiation was carried out using a neutron flux of 5.1·10¹⁶ m⁻²·s⁻¹, 1.0·10¹⁵ m⁻²·s⁻¹ and 3.7·10¹⁵ m⁻²s⁻¹, with thermal, epi-thermal and fast neutrons, respectively. The activities in these samples were measured by a HPGe detector. Ten rare-earth elements, such as La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Ho, Tm, Yb and Lu, have been qualitatively identified and quantitatively estimated in these samples. The present investigation is an example of employing a pre-concentration method for high iron-containing ores prior to neutron activation analysis.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis for the elemental analysis of cement

Cement is widely used as a construction material in Libya. Production plants introduce certain contaminants to the environment. The dust from such plants is carried away to neighbouring areas. This dust contains a substantial amount of contaminants depending on the origin of clays used in the production. In this study, a survey of elemental concentration of clay and cement was carried out to assess the environmental impact of such plants, especially those that are situated near residential and agricultural areas. Cement and clay samples, imported and locally produced, were analyzed. Instrumental neutron activation analysis was utilized to determine the elemental concentration of As, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Ta, Th, U, Yb and Zn. Elevated concentrations of U and Th were found in a number of cement samples. The two nuclides are part of an elaborate decay scheme producing a range of radioactive elements, which emit alpha-, beta- and gamma-radiation. With ⁴⁰K, they could give elevated levels of background radiation in buildings resulting in higher exposure doses. This could pose a health hazard and a detrimental effect on the well being of residents, especially in poor ventillated buildings. Also, cement is the main component for constructing underground reservoirs for collecting rainwater for drinking in private residences, so some harmful elements could leach into water. This is the first comprehensive survey of commercial cement brands and clays used in Libya. These results are intended to build a database for trace element concentrations using INAA.     

Multielement analysis of archaic Chinese bronze and antique coins by fast neutron activation analysis

Samples of archaic bronze have been investigated by fast neutron activation analysis using both the absolute and relative method. The components Cu, Zn, Sn and Pb have been determined quantitatively. For the detection of lead via the short-lived isomeric state^207mPb, cyclic activation and measurement technique was used with pneumatic sample transfer between detector and central irradiation position of the neutron tube. For nondestructive analysis of antique Chinese coins the samples had to be irradiated outside the neutron generator KORONA. The activation reactions, the evaluation of the elemental concentrations and the accuracy of the results are discussed. The data were corrected for -ray self-absorption in the samples and summing of coincident -rays in the detector. According to reported typical compositions of Chinese bronze from different dynasties, the age of the samples has been derived from the results obtained.     

Comparison and determination of elemental composition in Korean space foods using instrumental neutron activation analysis

A quantitative analysis of mineral contents in several kinds of foods is needed to obtain information on a comprehensive elemental composition as well as an investigation on the effects of human health and nutrition based on the dietary intake of mineral elements. In 2012, six kinds of new Korean space foods (KSF) such as sweet pumpkin porridge, dakgalbi (spicy grilled chicken), Manila clam porridge, ox leg bone-cabbage soup, ginseng-chicken porridge, and chicken curry rice were developed by KAERI, and the contents of more than 15 elements in the samples were determined using an instrumental neutron activation analysis. A certified reference material associated with a biological food sample was used for analytical quality control. The analytical results were evaluated according to the elemental concentrations with KSF samples and compared with the reported values. These results will be applied toward the identification of gamma-irradiated foods.     

Determination of the chemical composition of the South Pole aerosol by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Atmospheric particulate samples were collected at the geographic South pole, using cellulose and polycarbonate filters and cascade impactors. The samples were analysed for 40 elements by instrumental neutron activation analysis. From the filter samples atmospheric concentrations for 33 elements could be obtained. The highest atmospheric concentrations were found for S: 49 ng/standard cubic meter (SCM) of air, Na: 3.3 ng/SCM and Cl: 2.6 ng/SCM. In the cascade impactor samples, only a few elements were observed above blank. For these elements it could be concluded that they are associated for over 80–90% with submicron size paricles.     

Determination of the elemental contents in stream sediments collected from Cheongju city by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Sediment samples were collected from seven locations of the MeeHo stream in Cheongju city, strained out by a sieve, dried by an oven and pulverized by an agate mortar. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied for the determination of the elemental contents in the sediment samples by using the NAA #1 and #2 irradiation holes of the HANARO research reactor and HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. Twenty-five elements were determined by a relative method with NIST SRM 2711-Montan Soil and the ranges of the elemental contents for the seven locations were identified. The contamination levels for elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn were compared with the guidelines of USEPA. The detection limits and combined uncertainties for the hazardous elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Mn, Sb, V and Zn were estimated under the given analytical conditions.     

Possibilities of the elemental analysis of dry biological material by fast neutron activation analysis

The applicability of a 400 kV neutron generator in the elemental analysis of dry biological material is considered. Data for the specific count-rates of 66 elements are given. A procedure for the determination of N, Mg, Si, P, K and Ca is described. The results for three Standard Reference Materials and some samples are given.     

Determination of some noble metals and copper by destructive neutron activation analysis of different matrices

Neutron activation analysis of palladium, iridium, platinum, gold, silver and copper in different matrices was carried out by using inorganic adsorbers such as molybdenum dibromide, zinc ferrocyanide and cadmium metal for their radiochemical separation. The matrices chosen to show the versatility of the method were: high-purity copper and nickel metals, NBS standard reference material SRM 1571 (Orchard leaves), Pultusk meteorite and the U. S. Geological Survey standard rock W-1. The method elaborated is very simple as it involves only a few steps and it has been shown to be accurate and capable of yielding reliable results.     

Determination of copper and manganese in sea water by neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry

Two methods are compared for the determination of copper and manganese in sea water; the methods have been developed independently at two laboratories. One method is based on the simultaneous isolation of the two elements from sea water by co-crystallization with 8-quinolinol. The crystals are irradiated with neutrons, and after simple purification steps radio-induced ⁶⁴Cu and ⁵⁶Mn are quantified by γ-ray spectrometry. The other method involves chloroform extraction of the diethyldithiocarbamates of copper and manganese and subsequent determination of the two elements by atomic-absorption spectrometry. Both methods provide reliable measurements of copper and manganese concentrations at natural levels in sea water.