k0-Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Method Validation for Trace Element Determination using Environmental Reference Materials

Presently, the k0-standardization method of instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) technique has become the preferred method for multi-elemental analysis due to its high metrological value. The reactor neutron parameters (α and f) for rotary rack as well as the detector efficiency were determined and used for ko-INAA. The information is then used to compute the elemental concentration of certified reference materials (CRMs) using k0-INAA software developed in Vietnam. This results of the CRMs analysis showed the average z-score were below the threshold value of 2 with precision of about 10% for most of the element concentrations analyzed. The result has been very promising and at present stage, the laboratory is focusing on testing this method and capacity building for our staff. In future, the k0-INAA technique will be used to analyze air particulate, marine environmental samples, geological samples and archeological artifacts as well as to provide analytical services to clients from industries in particular