Quantification of trace fluorine concentrations in soil and food samples from fluoride affected region by in situ current normalized particle induced gamma-ray emission method

Abstract

Particle induced gamma-ray emission method was used to quantify total fluorine (F) concentrations in soil and food samples obtained from fluoride affected as well as non-affected areas of Punjab state, India. Samples, standards and reference materials in pellet form with lithium as in situ current normalizer were irradiated using 4 MeV proton beam from the tandem particle accelerator. Characteristic prompt gamma rays at 197 keV from 19F and 478 keV from 7Li were measured using a HPGe detector system. Fluorine concentrations in soil and food samples were 279–3138 and 51–211 mg kg−1, respectively.