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Elemental analysis of limestone by instrumental neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

Limestone samples from Assuit Governrate in Upper Egypt were subjected to elemental analysis by instrumental neutron activation analysis and X-ray fluorescence techniques. The samples were properly prepared together with their standards and simultaneously irradiated in a neutron flux of the order 7 × 1011 n/cm2 s using TRIGA research reactor at Mainz. After activation the samples were subjected to γ-ray spectrometry using a high purity germanium detection system and computerized multichannel analyzer. Nineteen elements: Na, Ca, Mn, Fe, Sc, Cr, Co, Zn, Sn, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, Sm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Th and U were analyzed. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry have been also used. The presence of any elements in higher or lower levels in certain limestone samples is contingent on the occurrence of its bearing minerals, nature of parent sediments and depositional environments of these sediments. The major elements in the samples were also observed to be among the elements that had high enrichment factors in the study of suspended dust particulate within and around cement industries. This confirms cement as the major contributor to the airborne particulate matter in the environs.

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Acknowledgments

The authors, wishes to thank Dr. N. Trautmann and the staff of the TRIGA Mainz research reactor for their assistance. The authors would like to extend their sincere appreciation to the Deanship of Scientific Research at King Saud University for its funding of this research through the research Group Project No. RGP-VPP-285.

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  1. A. El-Taher

    Present address: Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Qassim University, Buraydah, 51452, Saudi Arabia

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    Mohamed Anwar K. Abdelhalim

  2. Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Al-Azher University, Assuit, 71452, Egypt

    A. El-Taher

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  1. A. El-Taher
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  2. Mohamed Anwar K. Abdelhalim
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Correspondence to A. El-Taher.

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El-Taher, A., Abdelhalim, M.A.K. Elemental analysis of limestone by instrumental neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 299, 1949–1953 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-2925-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-014-2925-4

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