Elemental analysis of water and air solids by neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis was used to determine the elemental concentrations in water and air solid samples collected on Nuclepore and Whatman filters from the Walker Branch Watershed. The results from this study show that trace element concentrations removed by water from the watershed vary seasonally, as well as geographically. The data point up the usefulness and versatility of absolute neutron activation analysis. The NBS Standard Orchard Leaves was assayed in a similar manner, and good agreement was obtained between results here and standard values. The sensitivity and accuracy for this number of elements in a single sample using the High Flux Isotope Reactor in Oak Ridge as a neutron source and absolute neutron activation analysis methods cannot be duplicated by other analytical methods. By using absolute neutron activation analysis, considerable time is saved with the elimination of standards for all elements found in the samples. Thus, the cost per analysis is comparable or lower than other analytical methods for the same number of elements per sample. (T.G