Neutron activation analysis at the Livermore pool-type reactor for the environmental research program. [Identification of trace element contaminants]

Instrumental neutron activation analysis is a technique of trace analysis using measurements of radioactivity induced in the sample by exposure to a source of neutrons. The induced activity is measured by the emitted gamma radiation. Each gamma emitter can then be identified by the energy of the photopeaks produced as the nuclide decays and by the half-life of the neutron-induced activity. A complex computer program GAMANAL has been used to accomplish the major tasks of nuclide identification and quantification. The nuclide data output from GAMANAL is processed by a second computer code NADAC, which develops elemental abundance data from disintegration rates observed. The methods are those employed at the Livermore Pool-Type Reactor in support of the environmental research trace element analysis program. Among the procedures described and discussed are sample preparation, irradiation, analysis, and application of the technique.