Improvement of sensitivities and detection limits in estimation of rare earth and trace elements in geological rock samples by INAA using DHRUVA reactor compared to CIRUS reactor at BARC, Mumbai

Analytical Sensitivities and Detection limits of the La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Sc, Co, Rb, Cs, Ba, Hf, Ta and Th have been estimated in geological rock samples by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis after irradiation of the sample with Thermal Neutron flux from CIRUS and DHRUVA reactor at BARC Mumbai. Because of high neutron flux and more irradiation time in DHRUVA reactor the sensitivities of these elements has increased manifold. The detection limits of all the elements improved considerably. REE analysis by INAA technique helps to find the petrogenesis of the rock which indirectly guides the uranium exploration. (author)