Five years activity in determining trace elements for the certification of standard reference materials by neutron activation analysis

Abstract

A review of the experiences developed in the last five years of analytical work concerning the determination of trace element concentrations in reference materials by neutron activation analysis has been reported and discussed. Several elements such as Co, Sc, Mn, V, Fe, La, Sb, Zn, Th, have been determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis, while elements such as Hg, Se, As, Cu, Cd, I, required a selective radiochemical procedure. The results obtained are compared with the final certified values. For each matrix and/or group of matrices analytical problems and their solutions are illustrated.