Abstract
This work describes developments in techniques for the activation analysis of environmental samples using γ-ray spectrometry. A survey of short-lived neutron activation products is presented. The method of cyclic activation analysis is described and applied to biological and environmental samples. A. sum-coincidence system using two Nal (Tl) detectors for the determination of lead using 207mPb (T1/2 = 0.8s) is discussed. A scheme of neutron irradiation, and counting, using Ge(Li) detectors, for the determination of heavy metals in sewage sludges is described. Detection limits and sensitivities for 21 heavy metals are obtained. Results from sludges are presented, based on absolute neutron activation analysis. The determination of selenium in biological materials using cyclic activation of 77mSe (T½ = 17. 5s) is described; results and detection limits are also given. The efficiency vs. energy relationship for a Ge (Li) detector is investigated and various empirical relationships considered for goodness-of-fit. The method of absolute activation analysis based on the subroutine IDENT, used with the SAMPO spectral analysis program is evaluated.