Environmental material was analyzed using conventional gamma spectroscopy and low energy photon spectroscopy after high energy bremsstrahlung activation. Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, Tl, Pb and U have determined in the concentration range from 0.01 to some 1000 μg/g. In no case was a chemical separation required. Most of the above listed elements were analyzed with a planar intrinsic germanium diode measuring the low energy range of the emitted photon spectrum. Advantages and drawbacks of this method are discussed. Some results of parallel determinations with other activation methods are also presented; they generally are in good agreement with the concentration data obtained by the method described.