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Detection limits in epithermal neutron activation analysis of geological material

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Abstract

The improvement of detection limits for trace elements in geological samples by epithermal neutron activation analysis is examined. The relative merits of cadmium, boron and composite cadmium+boron filters are compared for trace elements Ni, As, Pd, Cd, Sb, W, Ir, Pt and Au, and interfering elements Na, K, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co and Cu. A boron filter gives optimum sensitivity for the trace elements based on interference from46Sc, but the detection limits are only improved 2–5 times. Ma imum possible improvement, which is shown by Ni, gives sensitivities 5 times better under cadmium and 15 times under boron.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of London Reactor Centre, Silwood Park, Sunninghill, SL5 7PY, Ascot, Berkshire, (UK)

    S. J. Parry

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  1. S. J. Parry
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Parry, S.J. Detection limits in epithermal neutron activation analysis of geological material. J. Radioanal. Chem. 59, 423–427 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517293

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02517293

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