Preconcentration of gold and tungsten from geological samples for neutron activation analysis

The investigation deals with the development of a simple and reliable chemical method by which both gold and tungsten can be preconcentrated easily and determined subsequently by n.a.a. The method is applicable to rocks that are soluble in HF-aqua regia. To avoid the effects of undesirable radionuclides produced on irradiation, preconcentration of the desired elements in a non-isotopic solid diluent suitable for activation is desirable. For measurements of the overall recoveries of gold and tungsten, 198Au (2.7 d) and 185W (83 d) were used. (Auth.)