Evaluation of Gd, Sm and Eu in Egyptian monazite samples using the prompt neutron capture gamma-ray technique

Abstract

Three Egyptian monazite samples from the beach black sand at Abou Khashba near Rosetta, submitted by the laboratories of the nuclear materials authority of Egypt were analyzed for elemental contents, using Prompt gamma ray neutron activation analysis (PGNAA) as an effective analysis technique especially for rare earth elements. An integrated system for PGNAA, located at hot Lab. Center, has proven useful for the analytical purpose using 252Cf neutron source with neutron flux of 6.16E7 n/cm2 s, that system has been designed and calibrated for PGNAA. Sensitivity curves using different standard concentration values of artificial liquid standards samples at different concentrations ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 mg/L in case of Sm and Gd, while from 100 to 1,000 mg/L for Eu, have been constructed. The average concentration values for Gd, Sm and Eu in the samples under investigation was at 1.46E4 ± 0.21, 6.683E4 ± 0.14 and 440 ± 0.18 ppm, respectively. A comparative study of the obtained results and the results of ICP-Ms was given.