Neutron Activation Analysis Applied to the Study of Elements Entering and Leaving a Coal-Fired Steam Plant

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Abstract
Neutron activation analysis (NAA) is a highly sensitive non-destructive, multielement technique useful for analyzing samples from many sources. Following irradiation of the sample with neutrons in a nuclear reactor, induced radioactivity in the isotopes present is measured with a Ge(Li) γ-ray spectrometer. Computer techniques are used to unfold γ-ray spectra and calculate concentrations. The method has been applied to coal and ash samples from the Allen Steam Plant in Memphis, Tennessee. Twenty-nine elements have been identified, and a mass balance has been made to indicate the ultimate fate of these elements. Most are removed in either the precipitators or the bottom ash.