Analysis of marine samples by neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray technique and ICP-MS

Abstract

Multi-element and isotopic analyses of oils and marine environmental samples were carried out to estimate a contamination source using a "finger printing" method. Elemental analyses were carried out using neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis (PGA), instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) at the Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute, Tokai-mura, Japan (JAERI) and ICP-MS in the IAEA Marine Environment Laboratory, Monaco (MEL). Fifteen elements including light elements, H, B, N, Si and Ca, which cannot be determined by INAA and ICP-MS, were determined by PGA. A total of 47 elements were determined in the present study. The potential of PGA for the determination of isotopic ratios was tested by measuring 34S/32S ratios in oils. The evaluation of historical records of marine environmental conditions using annual bands in coral samples was also investigated.