| Abstract: | Theoretical aspects of instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) are discussed. Various applications of INAA to exploration geochemistry are described demonstrating its capabilities and its limitations.Cost, turnaround time, high sensitivity for certain elements, the non-destructive nature of analysis and its precision and accuracy have combined to make INAA an indispensible method for multielement determination on virtually all geological matrices. Humus, vegetation, heavy minerals, lake bottom sediments as well as rocks and soils comprise the major sample types analyzed by INAA. As many as 50 elements can be determined routinely and easily by INAA. |
