The determination of tellurium in geological materials using radiochemical neutron activation analysis with a low energy photon detector

A method is described for the trace level determination of Te in geological materials with a detection limit of 5–10 ppb. Destructive thermal neutron activation analysis is used with relatively simple radiochemistry employing efficient precipitation and ion exchange techniques. A germanium Low Energy Photon Detector (LEPD) is used for radioassaying which allows the relatively aboundant X-rays from^123mTe to be measured. This radioactive isotope emits Te Kα and Kβ X-rays at 27–31 keV which are readily resolved by the LEPD and therefore allows interference effects from fission product Te to be minimised giving reliable trace level data of high accuracy. The validity of the method is demonstrated by reporting analytical data for Te in a range of USGS Standard Rocks.