Application of research reactor for the estimation of elements at ultra low levels in environmental samples by Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA)

The prime use of research reactors is to provide a neutron source for diverse range of applications, such as materials research using neutron scattering and diffraction, materials characterization by activation analysis and radiography, isotope production for peaceful uses, neutron irradiation for materials testing for fission and fusion reactors, neutron transmutation doping of silicon, gemstone coloration, as well as for the education and training in nuclear technology for the students and researchers. NAA is especially useful for analysis of long lived alpha emitting radionuclides like ²³⁸U and ²³²Th having extremely low concentrations in presence of large quantities of other interfering elements. The technique is especially applicable for vegetation and biota samples where the equilibrium between these primordial radionuclides and their daughters is disturbed and the option of gamma spectrometry is not feasible. Using NAA one can detect ¹²⁹I an anthropogenic radionuclide at environmental levels which is an element of concern due to its long half-life and impact on environment. Multielemental analysis of nutrients concentrations were determined in vegetation samples collected from Trombay site using, INAA