Determination of trace elements in iron minerals by instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis

The method for determination of major and trace elements in iron oxide [hematite (Fe2O3)] and sulfide [pyrite (FeS2) and chalcopyrite (CuFeS2)] minerals using the k0-method of neutron activation analysis in both forms: instrumental (k0-INAA) and radiochemical (k0-RNAA) was suggested. In order to avoid interferences from iron on the determination of elements present in trace levels, radiochemical separation was made. Determination of the investigated elements in the aqueous phase was performed by k0-RNAA after extraction of iron by isoamyl acetate (IAA) and diisopropyl ether (DIPE) from hydrochloric acid solution. The distribution of 35 elements in extraction systems (with intermediate/medium and long half-lived radionuclides) present in the studied minerals was investigated. (orig.)