Instrumental neutron activation analysis of environmental samples using thek 0-standardization method

The use of thek ₀-standardization method in instrumental neutron activation analysis gives good accuracy and precision. The analysis time can be reduced drastically by employing software for thek ₀-standardization calculations. In this work samples were irradiated in a TRIGA reactor and the gamma spectrum was analysed by Sampo 90 and thek ₀-standardization by the KAYZERO/SOLCOI code (DSM Research). The efficiency measurement and the peak to total ratio at the reference and other geometries were measured and tested for their accuracy by analysing some reference materials. Reference materials such as SRM 1572 (Citrus leaves), SRM 1573 (Tomato leaves), SRM 1575 (Pine needles), IAEA Soil-7 (Soil) and SRM 1646 (Estuarine sediment) were analysed for the major, minor and trace element contents. The results were in good agreement with the certified or literature values. The recently released IAEA 140 (Sea plant homogenates) was also analysed for 28 elements.