Quantification of some elements of nuclear and industrial interest from zircon mineral using neutron activation analysis and passive gamma-ray spectroscopy

A combined of various nuclear and analytical techniques were used for characterization of Egyptian zircon ore. Neutron activation analysis has been used for determination of the major, minor and trace elements from zircon ore. Non-destructive gamma-ray technique is also used for the radiometric analysis of zircon ore to quantify the natural radionuclides such as ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra and ⁴⁰K. Zircon ore has been characterized by different analytical tools such as Fourier transformer infrared (FTIR), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In this study, a significant concentration of U, Th and rare earth elements (REEs) has been reported. The obtained results showed that the average activity concentration of ²³⁸U, ²³⁵U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th and ⁴⁰K are 4771±338, 230±17.1, 3588±125, 982±47.7 and 217±48.5 Bq/kg, respectively. The results indicated that 297, 318 and 838 mg/Kg for U, Th, REEs, respectively, using NAA. These results are consistent with those obtained by gamma-ray spectroscopy and/or XRF. It can be concluded that zircon ore is a riche with a valuable nuclear materials such as U, Th, Zr, and Hf. It is also containing a REEs of economic and industrial interest. Also, the different radiation hazardous parameters were found much higher than the permissible values. - Highlights: • Egyptian zircon ore are analyzed by nuclear and analytical techniques. • Neutron activation analysis is used for characterization of Egyptian zircon ore. • It is found a high radiation risk level from zircon under study. • Elements of nuclear interest (U, Th, Zr, Hf) and REEs of industrial application are determined in zircon.