Application of k0-method of neutron activation analysis for determination of trace elements in various mineral samples: a review

Abstract

<jats:p><p>Various trace elements in different types of arsenic (orpiment, As₂S₃; realgar, As₄S₄; lorandite, TlAsS₂), antimony (stibnite, Sb₂S₃), copper (brochantite, Cu₄SO₄(OH)₆; chalcanthite, CuSO₄·5H₂O; chalcopyrite, CuFeS₂; covellite, CuS; native copper, Cu) and iron based geological materials (hematite, Fe₂O₃; pyrite, FeS₂; chalcopyrite, CuFeS₂) were determined using <em>k</em>₀-method of neutron activation analysis (<em>k</em>₀-NAA) in both forms: instrumental (<em>k</em>₀-INAA) and radiochemical (<em>k</em>₀-RNAA). In order to avoid interferences from the matrix element (As, Sb, Cu and Fe), various procedures were applied for its removal. Elimination of the matrix element enabled investigation from 35 to 47 trace elements in the samples using short (up to few minutes) and long (up to 20 hours) irradiations in typical irradiation channels of TRIGA reactor. The minerals were collected from various localities within the Republic of Macedonia, except covellite, which was obtained from Bor, Serbia.</p></jats:p>