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Determination of trace elements in river water by fast-neutron activation analysis

14.8-MeV neutrons from a Cockcroft-Walton type accelerator/neutron generator have been used to irradiate particulate and ionic samples prepared from river water. Five-minute irradiations were performed in a flux of order 109 neutrons/cm2/sec at target position. Gamma-ray spectra resulting from the activated products were recorded with a spectrometer system consisting of a high resolution Ge(Li) detector (2.5% efficiency at 1330 keV) and multichannel analyzer. Trace elements present in the samples were identified by the characteristic gamma-ray energies and half lives associated with the decay products. Standards of known concentration were used to make relative determinations of the quantities of trace elements present in the water. Elements observed in samples with parts per million concentrations include Al, Ba, Ca, Cl, Cr, Fe, K, Mg, Na, Si, and Sr. Sensitivities for elements not observed in the water samples were also determined for As, Cd, Hg, Ni, Ti, Zn, and Zr.Ball State UniversityMuncie, IN 47306

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BSU/oai:cardinalscholar.bsu.edu:handle/180449
Date03 June 2011
CreatorsMayfield, Michael R.
ContributorsOber, David R.
Source SetsBall State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Formatiii, 64 leaves : ill. ; 28 cm.
SourceVirtual Press

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