Determination of 21 elements by INAA for certification of SRM 1570a,Spinach

Analyses for certification have been made by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) for the determination of 21 elements in the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Spinach renewal reference material, SRM 1570a. Elements determined included ones with short halflife products (Al, V, Ca, Mg), intermediate halflife products (Mn, Na, K, La), and long halflife products (Ba, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sr, Th, and Zn). For the first time a new robotic sample changer was used in the counting of long halflife indicator isotopes for certification of an SRM. Uncertainties obtained averaged±1.80% for the four major and minor constituents (Ca, K, Mg, Na); ±3.14% for elements with concentrations from 1 to 400 mg/kg (Al, Ba, Cr, Fe, Mn, Rb, Sr, and Zn); and±8.31% for the ultra trace elements (<1 mg/kg) (Co, Cs, Eu, La, Sb, Sc, Se, Th, and V).     

Elemental analysis of phosphate rocks: For sustainable agriculture in Pakistan

The concentration of 32 elements was determined in phosphate rock samples from the Hazara phosphate deposits of Pakistan using instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) technique employing different irradiation protocols. These included 23 major, minor and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Ga, Hf, K, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sn, Ta, Th, U, V, Zn and Zr) and 9 rare earth elements (REEs) namely Ce, Eu, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Sm, Tb and Yb. The results have been compared with the global values of these elements. The concentrations for most of the elements studied are lower than the concentrations reported in the literature whereas the concentrations of As, Co, Fe, K, Mn, Na and Sb are comparable. Two samples namely HR-4 and HR-5 have the highest concentrations for majority of the REFs with high enrichment factors. The quality assurance of data was performed through the concurrent use of Lake Sediment (SL-1) and GSJ-JR-1 (Rhyolite) reference materials. The acquired data will serve as a reference for the follow-up studies to assess the agronomic effectiveness of the Hazara phosphate rocks.     

Neutron activation as a routine method for the determination of trace elements in water

By freeze-drying the following elements can be determined in natural water except sea water: Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, K, La, Mo, Na, Sb, Sc, Se, U, Zn. Some problems may arise with respect to As and Hg. Cu, Cd and Ni can only be determined if present in high concentrations. Separation by adsorption on charcoal in presence of complexing agents gives yields between 75 and 100% for the following elements in sea water: Ag, Au, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hg, La, Mo, Sc, Se, U, Zn (As 67%, Sb 56%). Activation or use of labelled ions and study of exchange give information about mobility of trace elements in suspended matter.     

Study of trace impurities in heroin by neutron activation analysis

Sixty-two heroin samples were analyzed for their contents of 15 trace elements (Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Fe, La, Na, Sb, Sc, Sm, Th, and Zn) by neutron activation analysis (NAA). Large variations of elemental concentrations between samples were found to possess statistical significance. Of all the elements calcium was the most abundant element, followed by zinc and sodium. The concentrations of Au, Ce, Co, La, Sb, Sc, Sm, and Th in all the samples were below 1 mg·g⁻¹. Classification of these heroin samples was achieved by the application of hierarchical cluster analysis. The results show that NAA can provide useful information on the origin of the illicit drugs. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Trace element content of some Polish hard and brown coals

Instrumental neutron activation analysis /INAA/ method was applied to measure major, minor and trace elements in 34 samples of hard and brown coal originating from eight Polish coal mines. The elemental concentrations of 38 elements /Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Mo, Ag, Cd, In, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Lu, W, Au and Th/ are presented and compared with published data for coals from various origin. Enrichment factors, calculated relative to iron and the average crustal rock composition, indicated that several elements are highly enriched in Polish coals.     

Elemental content in ground and soluble/instant coffee

The concentration of thirty-four elements in twelve coffee brands has been measured using instrumental neutron activation analysis. The samples investigated included four brands of commercially available ground coffee and eight brands of soluble/instant coffee. The elements measured were Al, As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Eu, Fe, Gd, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Tm, U, V, Yb and Zn. Twenty four elements were found to be below the detection limit in one or more samples. These elements were Ce, Cr, Fe, V, As, Eu, Ba, Dy, Gd, Hf, La, Lu, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, Yb, Tm, and U.     

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.     

Determination of elements in different parts of goat brain using k 0 instrumental neutron activation analysis

Researcher’s interest is increasing worldwide to study the role of trace elements in brain tissues. This paper discusses the application of k ₀-instrumental neutron activation analysis to study the distribution of trace elements in seven different anatomical regions of goat brain. These regions include cerebellum, cerebrum, medulla oblongata, meninges, midbrain, pons and thalamus. The analysis protocol followed 1 h irradiation at 10 MW material testing type nuclear research reactor with nominal thermal neutron flux of 2 × 10¹³ cm^?2 s^?1. A total of 14 elements, namely Br, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hg, K, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Tb and Zn were determined in all parts. Reliability of the method was assessed by analyzing biological reference material IAEA-336 (lichen). On comparing the analytical results with the healthy human brain data, it showed that eight elements (Eu, K, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Tb) were found with relatively higher elemental concentrations in human brain. Principal component analysis revealed distribution of seven parts in different three groups having similar elemental concentrations of elements.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of brewer's yeast

Instrumental neutron activation was used for the determination of 23 trace and minor elements in 4 different samples of brewer's yeast. Detection limits for these elements vary from 2 ppb to 100 ppm. The following average concentrations were found (ppm, dry weight): Al 597, Br 0.36, Cl 1473, Co 0.21, Cu 19, Fe 285, K 16 400, Mg 1355, Mn 8.4, Na 2330, Rb 19, Sb 0.053, Se 1.2, V 2.2 and Zn 80. NBS standard 1569 was also analyzed and the following concentrations (in ppm) were measured: Al 2300, Br 0.65, Ce 0.23, Cl 460, Co 0.26, Cr 2.12, Cu 11, Fe 707, Gd 7.1, Hf 0.13, K 15 500, Mg 1780, Mn 7, Na 510, Rb 16, Sb 0.075, Sc 0.18, Se 0.92, Th 3.7, Ti 38, U 0.49, V 4.1 and Zn 70.     

Pollution studies of trace elements in sediments from the Upper Saronikos Gulf,Greece

Seventeen trace elements (As, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hg, Hf, La Lu, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sm, Yb and Zn) have been determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis in sediments from the upper Saronikos Gulf, Greece. It was found that the discharge of industrial and domestic wastes in the Keratsini and Elefsis bays of the upper Saronikos Gulf had led to elevated concentrations of all toxic and other trace elements determined over at least 100 km² of seafloor. Increases above natural level range from 2 fold for rare earths to 200 fold for arsenic.     

Determination of trace element levels in polyethylene by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Elements Al, As, Au, Br, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Sb, Sc, Sm, V, and Zn were determined by INAA in several brands and batches of high pressure polyethylene (PE) Bralen (Slovnaft Bratislava, Czechoslovakia). A large scatter of trace element contents was found in both granules and foils, indicating an inhomogeneous distribution for the majority of the above mentioned elements present as impurities in PE. Larger amounts of the elements Al, Mn, and Sb were found in foils than in granules. Blank values resulting from using of PE Bralen as a canning material for INAA were compared to trace element concentration in human hair samples, too.     

Determination and geochemical significance of trace elements in Iraqi crude oils using instrumental neutron activation analysis

The trace-element composition of crude oil was studied using instrumental neutron activation techniques and a large-volume high-resolution Ge(Li) detector. A total of 29 elements were determined in oils representing the various producing formations of the Iraqi oil fields. These were: Al, Ar, As, Au, Br, Ca, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Eu, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, La, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Re, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, V, W and Zn. The significance of these trace elements in the geochemical investigation of crude oil is discussed.     

Instrumentelle Aktivierungsanalyse an Lunarem Material

Lunar soil samples of the Luna 16 Luna 20 missions were analysed by neutron activation in a neutron generator and a nuclear reactor, respectively, and following gammaspectrometry by NaI(T1) and Ge(Li) detectors. By 14 MeV neutron activation there were determined the abundances of 5 major elements (O, Mg, Al, Si, Fe) and by reactor activation the abundances of 18 major and trace elements (Na, K, Sc, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Mo, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Hf, W, Th) and the detection limits of 4 additional elements (As, Rb, Sb, Cs). The standard rocks BM and GM of the ZGI were used as standards in the reactor activation analysis.     

Instrumental neutron activation analysis of the hair of metallurgical workers

Hair samples were collected from 20 metallurgical workers (10 males and 10 females) and from 59 control subjects (32 males and 27 females), whose jobs do not indicate a specific occupational exposure. The concentrations of ten minor and trace elements (Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, Se, V and Zn) were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA). The statistical data distributions, the sex and age influences in these elemental concentrations and the average values obtained for the control group were compared with published data. The effect of occupational exposure to the metallic elements was reflected in elemental composition of hair by significant higher concentration levels of Al, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Sb, V and Zn in the hair of the exposed group, when compared with the control group.     

Investigation of the vertical distribution of major and trace elements in Matita Lake (Danube Delta) sediments by activation analysis

The vertical profiles of two major elements (Na and Ca) and 24 trace elements (Rb, Cs, Sr, Ba, Sc, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Th, U, Hf, Nb, Ta, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, As, Sb and Br) have been investigated by neutron activation analysis in a 2.5 m core collected from the Danube Delta, Matita Lake. The data have been correlated with the concentrations of five major minerals (calcite, dolomite, feldspar, clay and quartz) as determined by X-ray diffration. This study revealed the presence of As, Sb and Br as pollutant microelements.     

Elemental characterization of some Nigerian gemstones: tourmaline, fluorite and topaz by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was employed in the determination of the major and trace element constituents in tourmaline, fluorite and topaz collected from the gemstone mineralization within a SW–NE trending pegmatite zone, central Nigeria. Cost, turnaround time, high sensitivity for certain elements, the non-destructive nature of analysis and its precision and accuracy have combined to make INAA an indispensable method for multi-element determination in virtually all geological matrices. The major element constituents in tourmaline were Al (119,800 ppm), Mn (4,348 ppm), Na (15,540 ppm) and Fe (34,290 ppm). For fluorite, Ca was the major element with a concentration of 552,000 ppm. In topaz, Al was the major constituent with a concentration of 322,800 ppm. The data suites reveal the presence of As, Br, La, Sc, Co, Hf, Ta and Sb in tourmaline, Na, As, Br, La, Yb, Co, Zn, Eu, Hf, Th in fluorite and Mg, Mn, Na, Br, La, Sc, Co and Ta as trace contaminants. No attempt was made to identify the molecular structure of the gemstones as oxygen, fluorine and silicon contents in any of them were not determined.     

Comparative PGAA and NAA results of geological samples and standards

Concentrations of major and trace elements in volcanic rock and soil samples, including geological standard reference materials, were determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) and prompt gamma activation analysis (PGAA), both using the k ₀-standardization method. The paper highlights the different experimental procedures, such as sample preparation, data collection and spectrum evaluation. In geological samples, PGAA gives precise results for major elements (Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K and—as a unique method—for H), for some of the light trace elements as B and Cl, as well as for Sc, S, Cr, Co, Ni, Cd, Nd, Sm and Gd. NAA is sensitive for the rare earth elements, and for many major (Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K) and trace elements (e.g.: Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Zr, As, Sb, Ce, Ba, Hf, Ta, W). For most major elements the results obtained by the two methods show good agreement. The comparison of the results obtained for trace elements is not always possible, since PGAA is less sensitive and concentrations are often below its detection limits. Nevertheless, the complementarity of NAA and PGAA allows nearly panoramic analysis of geological materials.     

Hazardous and other element characterization of new and used domestic plastic food containers using INAA and AAS

Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) and Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methodology was developed to characterize the hazardous and other inorganic trace element constituents in new and used domestic plastic food containers. INAA due to its non destructive, highly sensitive, multielement and low detection limits characteristics was found to be a good technique for the characterization of polymeric products. Through the variation of irradiation, cooling and counting protocols Al, Ba, Br, Co, Cr, Eu, Fe, Hg, K, Mn, Na, Nd, Sb, Sc, Th, Ti, V and Zn were determined, while Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy was used as complementary technique to quantify toxic inorganic elements such as Cd, Pb and Cu. These elements are thought to originate from the polymer manufacturing processes. It was found that there was gradual increase in the concentration of most of these elements from new to used plastic samples. Moreover it was also observed that these inorganic elements are present in higher concentrations in the lower grade containers as compared to the high quality containers. It was also observed that the good quality containers even with the long usage do not degrade to such an extent as the low quality containers.     

Neutron activation analysis of selenium and 17 elements in sediment.

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was performed to determine Na, Mg, Al, Cl, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Rb, Sb, Cs, Ba, Ce and Eu in the Pacific core sediment. Selenium was also determined by neutron activation analysis, by applying a solvent extraction method with 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (DAN) as a post-irradiation procedure, after the wet-ashing of the sediment. Homogeneity of trace constituents in the sediment and neutron flux corrections for accurate determination were also investigated.     

Use of INAA and ICP-MS for the assessment of trace element mass fractions in adult and geriatric prostate

The variation with age of the mass fraction of 54 trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Be, Bi, Br, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Dy, Er, Eu, Fe, Ga, Gd, Hf, Hg, Ho, Ir, La, Li, Lu, Mn, Mo, Nb, Nd, Ni, Pb, Pd, Pr, Pt, Rb, Re, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sn, Ta, Tb, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, Tm, U, Y, Yb, Zn, and Zr) in intact nonhyperplastic prostate of 65 healthy 21–87 year old males was investigated by instrumental neutron activation analysis with high resolution spectrometry of long-lived radionuclides and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. This work revealed that there is a significant tendency for an increase in Bi, Cd, Co, Fe, Hg, Sc, Sn, Th, U, and Zn (p < 0.0014) mass fraction in normal prostate from age 21 years to the sixth decade. In the sixth to ninth decades the mass fractions of almost all chemical elements investigated in nonhyperplastic prostates were maintained at approximately stable levels. Our finding of correlation between pairs of prostatic chemical element mass fractions indicates that there is a great disturbance of prostatic chemical element relationships with increasing age.