Activation analysis of environmental pollutants

Abstract Activation analysis is a highly sensitive and specific technique for the detection of trace heavy metal pollutants in environmental materials. Comparison of natural "baseline" levels with elevated levels provides direct evidence of contamination. Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is used in this study to determine arsenic, zinc, cadmium, and mercury. Photo‐nuclear activation analysis (PNAA) is used to determine lead in soils. Holland Marsh, a market‐gardening area north of Toronto, has been studied as various herbicides and fungicides have been used there. The analyses of soil and vegetation samples, and of human head hair collected from residents are reported.