Application of k0-method of neutron activation analysis for determination of trace elements in various mineral samples

Abstract

A review on the determination of various trace elements in different types of arsenic (orpiment, As2S3; realgar, As4S4; lorandite, TlAsS2), antimony (stibnite, Sb2S3), copper (brochantite, Cu4SO4(OH)6; chalcanthite, CuSO4·5H2O; chalcopyrite, CuFeS2; covellite, CuS; native copper, Cu) and iron based geo-logical materials (hematite, Fe2O3; pyrite, FeS3; chalcopyrite, CuFeS2) using k0-method of neutron activa-tion analysis (k0-NAA) in both forms: instrumental (k0-INAA) and radiochemical (k0-RNAA) is pre-sented. In order to avoid interferences from the matrix element in each mineral (As, Sb, Cu and Fe), vari-ous procedures were applied for its removal. Elimination of the matrix element enabled investigation from 35 to 47 trace elements in the samples using short (up to few minutes) and long (up to 20 hours) ir-radiations in typical irradiation channels of TRIGA reactor. The minerals were collected from various lo-calities within the territory of the Republic of Macedonia, except covellite, which was obtained from Bor, Serbia.