Multi-element determination of sandstone rock by instrumental neutron activation analysis

The instrumental neutron activation analysis technique (INAA) was used in the qualitative and quantitative analysis of sandstone samples from Aswan area in South Egypt. The samples were properly prepared together with their standards and simultaneously irradiated in a neutron flux of 7 x 1011 n/cm2.s in the TRIGA Mainz research reactor facilities. Gamma spectra from hyper pure germanium HPGe detector were analysed. The present study provides the basic data of elemental concentrations of sandstone rock. The following elements constituents have been determined: Na, K, Fe, Sc, Cr, Co, Zr, Ce, La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, Th and U. The x-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used for comparison and to detect elements which can be detected only by XRF. (author)