Determination of heavy metals and other elements in soil samples from Serra do Navio, Amapa State-Br, by neutron activation analysis

In this paper the concentration of heavy metals (Co,Cr, Mn, V, Zn) and other elements, such as As, Ba, Br, Ce, Cs, Fe, Hf, K, Mg, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, W, Zr and rare earths were determined in soil samples by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The method was applied to soil samples from Serra do Navio region, Amapa State, near gold mining activities, Background samples were collected from the Igarape Pedra Preta basin, where the forest is found totally preserved from any anthropogenic contribution. Analysis of the reference materials Buffalo River Sediment (NIST SRM 2704) and Soil 7 (AIEA)) showed the accuracy and precision of the method. (author)