Gamma self-shielding correction factors calculation for aqueous bulk sample analysis by PGNAA technique

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Nuclear Chemistry

Background:

• Accurate elemental analysis of aqueous samples is crucial in various scientific fields.
• Bulk Sample Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (BSPGNAA) is a powerful technique for elemental determination.
• A key challenge in BSPGNAA is accounting for gamma self-shielding effects within the sample.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a methodology for elemental analysis of unknown aqueous samples using BSPGNAA.
• To accurately determine the gamma self-shielding coefficient for aqueous samples in BSPGNAA.
• To enable precise elemental concentration measurements in bulk aqueous samples.

Main Methods:

• Application of bulk sample prompt gamma neutron activation analysis (BSPGNAA) to aqueous samples.
• Utilizing a relative method for elemental analysis.
• Estimation of the gamma self-shielding coefficient through experimental measurements.
• Estimation of the gamma self-shielding coefficient using MCNP code calculations.

Main Results:

• A reliable method for estimating the gamma self-shielding coefficient of unknown aqueous samples was established.
• The proposed methodology demonstrated the feasibility of elemental concentration determination by BSPGNAA for aqueous samples.
• Validation of both experimental and MCNP code calculation methods for gamma self-shielding coefficient estimation.

Conclusions:

• The developed methodology effectively addresses the challenge of gamma self-shielding in BSPGNAA for aqueous samples.
• Accurate determination of elemental concentrations in unknown aqueous samples is achievable with this approach.
• This work provides a valuable tool for researchers requiring precise elemental analysis of aqueous matrices.