The use of neutron activation analysis for the study of environmental risks associated with the fly ash from burning Polish coals

An INAA procedure for the determination of twelve elements in fly ash and in similar geological materials was developed using mixed elemental standards and iron wire as neutron flux monitors. The reliability of the method was checked using the IAEA's Soil-5 and Lake Sediment SL-1 CRMs. The results obtained for the fly ash from burning Polish hard coal, as well as for two other geological materials, are presented. A new candidate reference material: fine fly ash (CTA-FFA-1) was collected, characterized with respect to its major component contents, homogenized, and distributed into PE containers. In order to certify the material with respect to its trace element contents, an international intercomparison run was organized. Preliminary experiments on leaching of trace elements from neutron-irradiated fly ash were performed. Some distinct differences in the leaching characteristics of individual elements were noted. In future the work will concentrate on extending the multielement capability of the INAA method, as well as on leaching of trace elements by solutions simulating acid rain. The work on certification of the new CRM, fine fly ash, CTA-FFA-1, will be continued. 28 refs, 9 figs, 4 tabs