Multielement Neutron Activation Analysis of Fresh Water Using Ge(Li) Gamma Spectrometry

A simple and rapid multielement method for the determination of trace elements in natural fresh water by purely instrumental neutron activation analysis is presented. The method which is based on Ge(Li) gamma spectrometry and computer evaluation of recorded data allows up to 40 elements to be determined without any pre-concentration steps. Data illustrating the precision of the method are given. The determination limit is -1 pgA. or less for 30 of the elements concerned, provided "normal" fresh water concentrations of elements giving rise to the most prominent activities, e.g., AI, CI, and Na are taken into account. Spectral interferences and other possible sources of systematic errors are discussed and shown to be of moderate importance in most cases.