Distribution of137Cs,40K,238U and232Th in soils from Northern Venezuela

More than one hundred undisturbed soil samples from Northern Venezuela and the islands of Margarita and Los Roques have been analyzed for¹³⁷Cs,⁴⁰K,²³⁸U and²³²Th by -ray spectroscopy. The specimens were taken from between 5–10 cm below the earth's surface. Thus, they are valid not only for the¹³⁷Cs deposition studies but also for the estimation of the natural -ray dose from primordial radionuclides that form the terrestrial component. The concentration of⁴⁰K was directly determined from its 1461 keV -ray, while those of¹³⁷Cs,²³⁸U and²³²Th were performed using a -ray from one of their daughter radionuclides: the 661 keV -ray of^137mBa for¹³⁷Cs, the 1760 keV -ray of²¹⁴Bi for²³⁸U and the 2620 keV -ray of²⁰⁸Tl for²³²Th. Finally, the concentration values were compared with those of global estimates.     

Influence of plant roots upon the mobility of radionuclides in soil, with respect to location of contamination below the surface

The movement of⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs,⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co in the 50 cm soil profile was studied with and without the presence of plant roots (triticum aestivum) in order to investigate the influence of roots and depth contamination upon the migration of radionuclides. The water table was maintained manually at 3 cm from the bottom. The physiochemical characteristics (E_h Fe^–2, NH ₄ ⁺ , pH and moisture content) as well as the total and extractable radioactivity were investigated. In the discrete contamination, where the location of contamination varied within the soil profile (0–5, 25–30 or 45–50 cm from the top), the influence of location upon the movement of these radionuclides was also studied. It was found that the changes in the soil physicochemical characteristics influenced the mobility of the four radionuclides. The extractability of⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co was significantly increased in the reducing region of the soil, whereas that of⁸⁵Sr,¹³⁷Cs was not. Plant roots excerted significant effects upon the soil characteristics, via, reducing the E_h pH and moisture content of the soil; increasing the extractability of both⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co from the depth of 35 cm downwards. Radionuclide migration occurred via physicochemical and biological transport. The biological transport via plant roots was of particular importance for¹³⁷Cs. Location of contamination had a significant influence upon the mobility of radionuclides. The migration of radionuclides was in the sequence of contamination in middle>bottom>top. The degree of the influence varied with radionuclides concemed. In the top layer contamination, the rank of the migration from the contamination layers, on the other hand⁵⁴Mn,⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs were more mobile and the movement was:⁸⁵Sr⁵⁴Mn⁶⁰Co>¹³⁷Cs. In the middle and bottom contamination layers, on the other hand,⁵⁴Mn and⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs were more mobile and the movement was⁸⁵Sr⁵⁴Mn⁶⁰Co>¹³⁷Cs. The results provide evidence conceming the soil-root interaction influencing the transfer efficiency of radionuclides from below the soil surface into the human food chain.     

A comparative study on environmental radioactivity in shellfish inhabiting the coasts of Korea and Japan

To examine inshore radioactive contamination caused by nuclear power plants, both gross -radioactivity and -spectrometry was measured. The measurements were taken with the sea mussels, Mytilus coruscus and Mytilus edulis, which had been collected from the four different sites of nuclear power plants (Kori, Ulchin, Wolsong, and Younggwang), and Cheju-do as a control site. As a result, the gross -radioactivity observed was similar to that in nature. Among radionuclides, only¹³⁷Cs,²⁰K,⁷Be and⁶⁰Co were detected in a very small amount, and each was also close to the natural levels.     

Determination of Na,K, Rb and Cs Distribution in Human Brain Using Neutron Activation Analysis

This study aims to investigate the distribution of Na, K, Rb and Cs in human brains (5 individuals, 12 brain parts, mean age: 75 years). Distribution of the trace metals between lipid fraction and brain tissue was investigated in solvent extraction experiments. Determinations were carried out by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The present results show a rather non-homogeneous distribution for Na and a relatively uniform distribution for K, Rb and Cs. The mean concentrations found are 7440µgNag^–1 dry weight, 12800µgKg^–1, 14µgRbg^–1 and 50ngCsg^–1. A highly significant positive correlation was found between Rb and Cs. Solvent extraction experiments showed that 19% of Rb and 26% of Cs of the total content is located in lipid fraction.     

Analysis of the CCRMP reference rocks SY-2, SY-3 and MRG-1 by instrumental neutron activation

Three Canadian reference rocks, syenites SY-2 and SY-3, and gabbro MRG-1 have been analysed for Na, K, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Rb, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta and Th, by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The results are reported and compared with usable values. In general the agreement is good.     

Determination of trace elements in a human serum reference material by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A method was developed for the determination of Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Rb, Mo and Cs in human serum by ICP-MS. Sample preparation was kept as limited as possible: Serum samples were diluted with nitric acid and indium was added as internal standard. The results for Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn were corrected for interferences from polyatomic ions using a suitable blank solution. No interferences occur for the considered isotopes of Rb, Mo, and Cs. A second-generation human serum reference material was analyzed, in order to test the accuracy and precision of the analytical procedure. The results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values.Presented in part at the 1989 European Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry, Reutte, AustriaResearch Director of the National Fund for Scientific Research (Belgium)     

Radiochemical determination of Caesium-137, strontium-89,90 and barium-140 in milk and bone ash

Summary A method for the determination of radiocaesium, radiostrontium, radiobarium in milk and bone ash is described. An alkaline fusion of ash followed by leaching with water provides for the preliminary separation of radiocaesium. After dissolution of leaching residue in hydrochloric acid and sorption on Dowex 50 W, X-8, radioyttrium (rare earths fission products), magnesium and calcium are eluted with 1.0 M ammonium lactate, pH 7.5. Radiostrontium, radiobarium and radium are separated by elution with 0.15 M ammonium citrate, pH 7.5. ¹³⁷Cs is isolated as Cs-dipicrylaminate, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr as SrCO₃, ¹⁴⁰Ba as BaCO₃ and counted on a low-background beta-counter. For determined radionuclides the average chemical yields amount to 80%. The limits of detection for ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ¹⁴⁰Ba are 0.02 pCi/g with a 10 g sample of milk ash and 0.04 pCi/g with a 4 g sample of bone ash, respectively.

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Radiochemische Bestimmung von Caesium-137, Strontium-89,90 und Barium-140 in Milch- und Knochenasche

Zusammenfassung Zur Vorabtrennung von Radio-Caesium wird die Ascheprobe alkalisch geschmolzen und dann mit Wasser ausgelaugt. Nach Auflösung des ausgelaugten Rückstandes in Salzsäure und Sorption an Dowex 50 W, X-8 werden Yttrium (Spaltprodukte der Seltenen Erden), Magnesium und Calcium mit 1,0 M Ammoniumlactat, pH 7,5 eluiert. Radio-Strontium, Radio-Barium und Radium werden durch Elution mit 0,15 M Ammoniumcitrat, pH 7,5, abgetrennt. ¹³⁷Cs wird als Cs-Dipikrylaminat isoliert, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr als SrCO₃,¹⁴⁰Ba als BaCO₃; gemessen wird in einem Beta-Antikoincidenzzähler. Für die bestimmten Radio-Nuklide beträgt die durchschnittliche Rückgewinnung 80%. Die unteren Nachweisgrenzen für ¹³⁷Cs, ⁹⁰Sr, ¹⁴⁰Ba betragen bei einer 10 g-Milchasche-Probe 0,02 pCi/g und bei einer 4 g-Knochenasche-Probe 0,04 pCi/g.

     

Fallout analysis of atmospheric water precipitations

Summary A rapid ion-exchange method for the determination of ¹⁴⁴Ce, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁸⁹Sr, ⁹⁰Sr and ¹⁴⁰Ba in 2–30 liter samples of atmospheric water precipitations is described. The samples, containing up to 300 mg of calcium, are sorbed on a specially shaped column filled with Dowex 50, X-8 or Dowex 50W, X-8. Radio-cerium and radio-caesium are stripped from the column with 0.6 M ammonium glycolate/ 0.2 M NaCl, pH 5, radio-strontium and radio-barium with 0.15 M ammonium citrate, pH 7.5. The isolated radio-nuclides are counted on a low-background beta-counter: ¹⁴⁴Ce as CeO₂, ¹³⁷Cs as Cs-dipicrylaminate, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr as SrCO₃, ⁹⁰Y as Y₂O₃, and ¹⁴⁰Ba as BaCO₃. The mean chemical yields amount to 95% for cerium, 85% for caesium, 95% for strontium, 95% for yttrium and 65% for barium. With parallel determinations at levels of a few picocuries, the deviations of the results from the respective mean values generally do not exceed ± 5%. With a 30 l sample the limit of detection amounts to 0.005 Ci/l for ¹⁴⁴Ce, 0.006 Ci/l for ¹³⁷Cs, 0.005 Ci/l for ⁹⁰Sr, and 0.006 Ci/l for ¹⁴⁰Ba.

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Zusammenfassung Es wird eine schnelle Ionenaustauschmethode für die Bestimmung von ¹⁴⁴Ce, ¹³⁷Cs, ⁸⁹Sr, ⁹⁰Sr und ¹⁴⁰Ba in 2–30 l Proben von atmosphärischen Wasser-Niederschlägen beschrieben. Die Proben, mit einem Calciumgehalt bis zu 300 mg, werden in eine besonders gestaltete, mit Dowex 50, X-8 oder Dowex 50 W, X-8 gefüllte Säule eingewaschen. Radio-Cer und Radio-Caesium werden mit 0,6 M Ammoniumglykolat/0,2 M NaCl, pH 5, Radio-Strontium und Radio-Barium mit 0,15 M Ammoniumcitrat pH 7,5 eluiert. Die isolierten Radio-Nuklide werden in einem Beta-Antikoinzidenzzähler gemessen: ¹⁴⁴Ce als CeO₂, ¹³⁷Cs als Cs-dipikrylaminat, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr als SrCO₃, ⁹⁰Y als Y₂O₃ und ¹⁴⁰Ba als BaCO₃. Die mittlere Rückgewinnung der zugesetzten Träger beträgt für Cer 95%, 85% für Caesium, 95% für Strontium, 95% für Yttrium und 65% für Barium. In Parallelbestimmungen mit Gehalten von einigen Ci/l, überschreiten die Abweichungen der Ergebnisse von den entsprechenden Mittelwerten im allgemein nicht 5%. Bei einer 30 l-Probe beträgt die untere Nachweisgrenze 0,005 Ci/l für ¹⁴⁴Ce, 0,006 Ci/l für ¹³⁷Cs, 0,005 Ci/l für ⁹⁰Sr und 0,006 Ci/l für ¹⁴⁰Ba.

     

Thermal Expansion of Mixed Zirconium Phosphates

A series of framework phosphates with varied ratio of cations Na_5-2x B _x ^IIZr(PO₄)₃, B^II = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba (0 x 2) and Na_5-3x Fe _x Zr(PO₄)₃ (0 x 1.33) were synthesized and studied under heating. The coefficients of thermal expansion along crystal axes _a and _c were calculated, and their dependences on the cationic composition (nature and concentration) and on the occupancy of out-of-framework structural positions were established.     

Laboratory standard for radionuclides in nuclear waste

A laboratory standard for the determination of long-lived radionuclides in nuclear waste has been prepared using concrete as matrix. It will be used to check sample preparation procedures, chemical separations and methods for the determination of nuclides, e.g., nuclear counting techniques or mass spectrometry. The material chosen was a fine-grained ready-to-use cement mixture, to which the following radionuclides were added:⁶⁰Co and¹³⁷Cs as -ray-emitting nuclides,⁹⁹Tc,⁹⁰Sr and⁵⁵Fe as radionuclides emitting pure -radiation or low-energy electrons, and²³³U,²³⁷Np,²³⁸Pu and²⁴¹Am as -emitters. Care was taken to attain a homogeneous distribution of the nuclides in the standard material. Pieces of about 1 g were formed as suitable and representative samples. Repeated analyses were carried out with the standard to check its homogeneity. The analytical procedures are described in brief. The pieces of the standard material have the same content of nuclides within ±5% at a 95% level of confidence.     

Separation of Cs and Sr using polyoxonium compounds

Extraction separation and concentration of Cs and Sr from aqueous solutions, containing macroconcentrations of competitive ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Al³⁺, Fe³⁺) by the nitrobenzene solutions of bis-1,2-dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of linear and cyclic polyoxonium compounds (POC) has been investigated. It has been found, that the addition of DB18C6 increases the distribution ratio of cesium (D_cs) but the addition of other crowns and PEG decreases D_Cs value and selectivity of D_Sr and the selectivity of Sr/Ca separation. Separation factors of Sr/Ca increase from (Sr/Ca)2 (found in the absence of POD) to (Sr/Ca)50 (for DB18C6), (Sr/Ca)100 (for 18C6 and DCH18C6) and (Sr/Ca)1000 for 15C5.     

Trace characterization of high-purity nickel by instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis

Summary The high activity of the radionuclides ⁶⁵Ni (t_1/2=2.52 h) and ⁵⁸Co (t_1/2=70.8 d) imposes severe limitations on the performance of direct instrumental neutron activation analysis of nickel. The extent of the interference of the ⁵⁸Co depends on the ratio of the fluxes of the fast and thermal neutrons. A method of selective removal of cobalt, based on extraction with -nitroso--naphthol has been developed for the purpose of radiochemical NAA. Separation yields have been determined for 36 elements. The detection limits obtainable with both the instrumental and the radiochemical method are <10^–4 g/g for the elements Au, Eu, Ir, La, Sc and Sm, between 10^–4 and 10^–3 g/g for Cr, Cs, Hf, Hg, Lu, Re, Sb, Ta, Th, Tm and Yb, between 10^–3 and 10^–2 g/g for As, Ag, Br, Ce, Ga, Na, Ru, Se, W and Zn, and in the range 0.01–1 g/g for Ba, Cd, Co, Fe, In, K, Mo, Nd, Pd, Rb, Sn, U and Zr.     

Kβ/Kα intensity ratios following radioactive decay and photoionization

K/K intensity ratios for Cr, Mn, Fe, Cs and Ba have been measured following radioactive decay and photon excitation. A Ge(Li) detector coupled to an ND66B analyzer was used in the measurements. The K/K intensity ratio is affected by the mode of excitation. This effect has a significant influence on K/K intensity ratios of 3d shell elements (Cr, Mn, Fe). However, the effect was found smaller for Cs and Ba.     

Fallout analysis of atmospheric water precipitations

Summary A rapid ion-exchange method for the determination of ¹³⁷Cs, ⁸⁹Sr, and ⁹⁰Sr in rain-, snow-, cistern-, and soft surface-waters is presented. The sorption of 2–30 l samples with a calcium content up to 300 mg is carried out on a specially shaped column filled with Dowex 50, X-8 or Dowex 50 W, X-8. Radiocaesium is washed from the column with 0,6 M ammonium glycolate/0.2 M NaCl, pH 5, radio-strontium with 1.0 M ammonium glycolate/0.3 M NaCl, pH 5. After their isolation from the respective eluates the radio-nuclides are counted on a low-background beta-counter: ¹³⁷Cs as Cs-dipicrylaminate, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr as SrCO₃, and ⁹⁰Y as Y₂O₃ in cases of indirect ⁹⁰Sr determination. The mean chemical recoveries of added carriers amount to 85% for caesium, 95% for strontium and 95% for yttrium. At levels of a few picocuries, in parallel determinations, the deviations of the results for ¹³⁷Cs and ⁹⁰Sr from respective mean values generally do not exceed ±5%. With a 30 l sample the limit of detection amounts to 0.006 Ci/l for ¹³⁷Cs and 0.005 Ci/l for ⁹⁰Sr.

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Zusammenfassung Für die Bestimmung von ¹³⁷Cs, ⁸⁹Sr und ⁹⁰Sr in Regen-, Schnee-, Zisternen- und weichem Oberflächenwasser wird eine schnelle Ionenaustausch-methode vorgeschlagen. Die Sorption von 2–30 l Wasserproben mit einem Calciumgehalt bis zu 300 mg wird mit einer besonders gestalteten, mit Dowex 50, X-8 oder Dowex 50 W, X-8, gefüllten Säule durchgeführt. Aus der Kolonne werden Radio-Caesium mit 0,6 M Ammoniumglykolat/ 0,2 M NaCl, pH 5 und Radio-Strontium mit 1,0 M Ammoniumglykolat/ 0,3 M NaCl, pH 5 eluiert. Nach ihrer Isolierung aus den entsprechenden Eluatsfraktionen werden die Radio-Nuklide in einem Beta-Antikoinzidenzzähler gemessen: ¹³⁷Cs als Cs-Dipikrylaminat, ⁸⁹Sr/⁹⁰Sr als SrCO₃, und ⁹⁰Y als Y₂O₃ im Fall der indirekten ⁹⁰Sr-Bestimmung. Die durchschnittliche Rückgewinnung der zugesetzten Träger beträgt 85% für Caesium, 95% für Strontium und 95% für Yttrium. In Parallelbestimmungen überschreiten bei Gehalten von einigen Ci/l die Abweichungen der ¹³⁷Cs- und ⁹⁰Sr-Werte von den entsprechenden Mittelwerten im allgemein nicht ±5%. Bei Anwendung einer 30 l-Wasserprobe beträgt die untere Nachweisgrenze 0,006 Ci/l für ¹³⁷Cs und 0,005 gmCi/l für ⁹⁰Sr.

     

In Situ Migration Experiments at Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory, Sweden: Results of Radioactive Tracer Migration Studies in a Single Fracture

Three radially converging in situ migration experiments over a distance of 5 m were performed in a single fracture at a depth of 400 m in the Äspö Hard Rock Laboratory. Injection and breakthrough curves were obtained for uranine,H³HO (HTO), ²²Na⁺, ⁴²K⁺, ⁴⁷Ca²⁺, ⁵⁸Co(II), ⁸²Br^–, ⁸⁵Sr²⁺, ⁸⁶Rb⁺, ^99mTc (no breakthrough), ¹³¹I^–, ^131,133Ba²⁺ and ^134,137Cs⁺. The in situ experiments lasted for nearly 1.5 years, with single experimental times up to 10,000 hours. The tracer concentrations span over seven orders of magnitude between injection and sampling under practically undisturbed chemical conditions. Dynamic ranges in the breakthrough curves of up to four orders of magnitude were obtained. Thus, the use of radioactive (especially -emitting) tracers showed to be a most useful tool for in situ tracer experiments. The relative retardation sequence obtained in the field experiment was Na < Ca Sr < K < Ba Rb < Co Cs, which was the same as the relative sequence of the sorption coefficients obtained in the laboratory experiments using crushed rock material. Thus, no scale effect was indicated in the relative retardation sequence between laboratory and field experiments. High recoveries, >90%, were obtained for uranine, HTO, Br, I, Na and Sr and lower recoveries for Ba, Rb, Cs and Co. However, there were indications that there would have been higher recoveries of these elements if it had been possible to continue monitoring over longer experimental times. The low recoveries of Cs and Co indicate either slowly reversible or non-reversible sorption behavior. The laboratory diffusion experiments showed lower diffusivities and porosities and somewhat lower sorptivity of all studied tracers in the site-specific rock samples, dominated by mylonite, than in the diorite host rock. Matrix diffusion and associated sorption within the rock matrix is indicated in the in situ experiments, although this can not be verified without modeling that involves such processes.     

A definitive method for the determination of trace amounts of cobalt in biological materials by neutron activation analysis

A new, very accurate (definitive) method for the determination of trace amounts of cobalt in biological materials has been devised. The method is based on combination of neutron irradiation with quantitative and selective post-irradiation separation of cobalt from all accompanying radionuclides followed by measurement by -ray spectrometry. Column chromatography in which owing to addition of Co carrier the course of separation can be followed visually is the key element of the separation scheme. Several criteria have been formulated which must be simultaneously fulfilled in order to acknowledge the result as obtained by a definitive method. The high accuracy of the method has been demonstrated by the analysis of several certified reference materials of widely different Co contents.     

Rare earths and other trace elements in cretaceous clays from central Portugal

Eight rare-earth elements (REE), namely La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, and Lu, as well as other elements (Na, K, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Rb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta, and Th), have been determined in fifteen cretaceous clay samples of continental facies by instrumental neutron activation analysis. It was found that the REE contents are variable in absolute and relative values, but the means of these values are similar to those of European, shales. Analyses have also been made of the fractions <38 m and <2 m (clay-sized). The mineral contents of the clay-sized fraction were determined semi-quantitatively by X-ray diffraction. The results suggest the preferential presence of REE, Hf, and Th in fractions 2–38 m, which can be explained by the presence of apatite, monazite, and zircon. A correlation study of chemical and mineralogical data of the clay-sized fraction showed that kaolinite is correlated with REE, specially the lighter ones; illite with K, Rb, and Cs; and smectite with Na.     

Field performance test of PASS,an instrument for the rapid assay of plutonium and other γ-ray emitting radionuclides

A field performance test was conducted at the INEL with the mobile Rapid Transuranic Monitoring Laboratory (RTML) that was developed for the analysis of samples from sites or facilities potentially contaminated with plutonium, other actinides, and -ray emitting activation and fission-product radionuclides. The performance test and results are described for the Photon Analysis Spectrometer System (PASS), one of three RTML assay systems. This system consists of a thin-window, n-type Ge spectrometer, that automatically analyzes soil, smear, and air particulate-filter samples for actinides emitting L x rays, and for activation and fission products that emit rays. The measurements were blind and performed with 11-g soil samples gathered from the Cold Test Pit and with spiked samples containing known mixtures of²³⁹Pu,²⁴¹Am⁶⁰Co, and¹³⁷Cs. In the spiked samples the plutonium activity concentrations ranged from 75 to 500 pCi/g while the other radionuclides ranged from 10 to 130 pCi/g. Lower limits of detection (LLDs) were verified to be 1, 5, 5, and 40 pCi/g for²⁴¹Am,⁶⁰Co,¹³⁷Cs, and²³⁹Pu, respectively. Results from the performance test are presented.     

Study of hair element content from an urban Bulgarian population using NAA assessment of environmental status

In this preliminary study, scalp hair samples from 36 individuals resident in Sofia, Bulgaria, were analysed and Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, W, and Zn were determined. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) methods were used. Three washing procedures.: distilled-deionised water; acidacetone-water; and Triton X-100 detergent-water, showed a variable elemental change strongly dependent on the procedure used. More than 18 elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cs, F, Fe, I, K, La, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Sc, Sr and V) were easily removed by water-washing. Triton X-100 detergent was more effective in removing Ag, As, Au, Cl, Cs, K, Na and Rb; but not Hg. Only S and Zn were strongly incorporated in the hair structure (less than 10% being removable by any washing technique). There is no significant age correlation with any element between the various hair treatment groups. Elevated cadmium levels were found in the hair of smokers (0.711–4.913 g/g Cd) compared with nonsmokers (0.568–2.681 g/g Cd). Comparison of the elemental data for distilled water-washed hair and studies from Oxford, England and Hastings, and Hastings, New Zealand (using the same INAA method) revealed interesting variations dependent on local industrial and nutritional factors.     

Ceramic glaze analysis by simultaneous in-beam PGAA and XRFS

Twenty-one ready-to-use hobby glazes, of which 18 were labeled safe for food containers (SFFC), were analyzed for Al, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Gd, Hf, K, Mn, Na, Pb, Si, Sm, Sr, Ti, Zn, and Zr by neutron capture prompt -ray activation analysis (PGAA). Simultaneously, Pb was also determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRFS) using Pb K X-rays induced by the -ray component of the neutron beam. The XRFS limits of detection were 200–400 g Pb·g^–1 (dry weight), a factor of 100 better than those for PGAA. Pb concentrations (by dry weight; with weight losses ranging from 28 to 49% after air-drying) found were 0.16–27.2% in the SFFC glazes and 0.86–32% in the other glazes. The SFFC glazes contained from <0.6 to 202 g Cd·g^–1, and Co, Cr, and Cu (elements which may enhance Pb leaching from fired glazes) were found in concentrations up to 1.2, 2.7, and 5.6%, respectively. Method accuracy was demonstrated with the analysis of soil, fly ash, and glass standard reference materials.