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Kayzero-standardization method of neutron activation analysis study for major and minor elements determined in soils and phosphate rocks of the prospective phosphate mining area in the Hinda district, Republic of Congo

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Abstract

The main objective of the present study was to determine the concentration of major and minor elements contained in soil and phosphate rock samples collected in the prospective phosphate mining area in Hinda district. Samples have been analyzed using k0-neutron activation method through the Moroccan Triga Mark II research reactor. The results showed Al, Fe, K, Mg, Mn and Na as major elements and As, Br, Cr, V and U as minor elements, including rare earth elements in soils and phosphate rocks. These results were compared with other studies reported worldwide. Pollution indicators have been determined to assess pollution status.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) through the PhD Sandwich Program in the frame of the regional project RAF9067 (EVT2004161-0001-PRC).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Sciences and Techniques, Marien Ngouabi University, BP 69, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

    R. R. C. Moubakou Diahou, G. B. Dallou, J. S. Sondzo & C. Bouka Biona

  2. Laboratory of Nuclear Physics and Applications (LPNA), National Institute for Research in Exact and Natural Sciences (IRSEN), P.O Box 2400, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo

    R. R. C. Moubakou Diahou, G. B. Dallou & J. S. Sondzo

  3. Elementary and Radiometric Analysis Laboratories (LAER), Division of Laboratory Operation (DEL), National Center for Energy, Science and Nuclear Techniques (CNESTEN)-Morocco, Rabat, Morocco

    H. Bounouira, H. Amsil, Didi Abdessamad & lliasse Aarab

  4. ESMAR research unit, Faculty of Sciences, Mohammed V University, 4 avenue Ibn Battouta, B.P. 1014 RP, Rabat, Morocco

    R. R. C. Moubakou Diahou & R. Cherkaoui El Moursli

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  1. R. R. C. Moubakou Diahou
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  2. H. Bounouira
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  3. G. B. Dallou
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  4. J. S. Sondzo
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  5. H. Amsil
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  6. Didi Abdessamad
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  7. lliasse Aarab
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  8. R. Cherkaoui El Moursli
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  9. C. Bouka Biona
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Correspondence to R. R. C. Moubakou Diahou.

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Moubakou Diahou, R., Bounouira, H., Dallou, G. et al. Kayzero-standardization method of neutron activation analysis study for major and minor elements determined in soils and phosphate rocks of the prospective phosphate mining area in the Hinda district, Republic of Congo. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 332, 3475–3484 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-023-08795-7

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