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- Author or Editor: N. Genova x
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Abstract
The paper describes a destructive neutron activation procedure especially set up for the determination of low levels of iridium. Only a few steps are required after irradiation, namely sample dissolution, noble metals adsorption on an ion-exchange column, removal of interfering radionuclides and counting. Successively iridium is removed from the column and the chemical yield evaluated. The method has been used for the determination of iridium in a large variety of standard reference materials, including materials of geological, biological and technological origin, with iridium levels ranging from about 0.005 to 18 ng/g. Results, given as the average of three or more independent analyses, and relative standard deviations, are reported and discussed. Average precision is about 8%, and the sensitivity is 0.004 ng.
Abstract
Part of a research program on cultural heritage aimed to elucidate the production of ceramic artifacts in Roman Pavia is devoted to the localization of the possible sources of raw materials (claypits) as well as to the technological production processes. Clay samples were collected in two different areas nearby Pavia, Lomellina and Oltrepo. Some of these samples were also fired at 950 °C. Archaeological ceramic samples, mostly bricks and tiles of Roman age, were obtained from excavations of Roman settlings close to Pavia. All samples were submitted to instrumental neutron activation analysis for the determination of Ca, Fe and a number of trace elements. Results indicate (1) fired and raw clay samples keep the same elemental fingerprint so that only raw samples data can be used in archaeometric studies; (2) some parameters based on rare earth elements are useful to discriminate the clay samples from the two investigated areas; (3) clay discrimination is confirmed also by discriminant analysis; and (4) the insertion of the elemental composition data of the ceramic artifacts in the statistical treatment allows one to assign the artifacts to one of the investigated areas and confirms that, at Roman times, the production of ceramic building materials was mostly based on the use of local prime matter.
Abstract
Multielemental analysis of atmospheric particulates collected on filter paper has been investigated using different radioisotopic exciting sources. Quantitative determinations for zinc and lead during a one year period are reported.
Abstract
A neutron activation analysis method for the determination of uranium in natural fresh waters is described. The method is based on a preconcentration step by precipitation of the metal oxinate on a phenolphtalein bed followed by instrumental neutron activation analysis. Preliminary investigations with239U radiotracer were carried cut to set up the best working conditions and to evaluate the chemical yield. The whole procedure has been applied to the determination of uranium in river water.
Abstract
The geochemical behavior of REE has been tested in the Umbro-Marchean (Italy) pelagic sequences of Cretaceous-Paleocene age. REE were determined by INAA in a number of limestone, marl and clay samples. Both chondrite and shale normalized patterns are discussed: the observed REE amounts and distributions are mainly attributed to highly complex diagenetic processes.
Abstract
The following elements: Cr, Zn, Co, Cd, Mn, V are determined in a sample of NBS (spinach) which has to be certified as a new standard. Both neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry are used; a good agreement is foudn among the different techniques. Different procedures of samples chemical dissolution are compared.
Abstract
In the present investigation iron and trace elements were determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis in a number of sea bottom sediment samples, collected in the Ross Sea and close to the Italian Station at Terra Nova Bay in Antarctica. Full listing of results is presented and discussed as well as the evaluation of precision and accuracy. In order to find correlations and similarities among the sediment samples, the analytical data were submitted to statistical treatment. In addition rare earth element patterns were obtained. Typical trends were observed with no evident Eu negative anomaly and a depletion of heavy rare earth elements.
Abstract
Lanthanide (Ln) levels in plasma and tissues from colorectal patients and healthy subjects were determined by radiochemical neutron activation analysis. Results, precision, accuracy and sensitivity are presented and discussed. Mean plasma levels of La, Ce, Nd, Eu and Yb were significantly higher (p<0.01) in adenoma and adenocarcinoma patients compared to control subjects. Increasing concentrations of plasmatic La, Eu and Yb as well as Ln levels in tissue from healthy subjects, adenomatous polyps, and adenocarcinoma (ADK) patients were observed. Measured tissue levels of Ln were constantly higher in ADK and adenomatous polyps than in the adjacent normal tissues. These findings may reflect impaired calcium metabolism possibly involved in the early process of carcinogenesis leading to the development of ADK.
Abstract
The development of a trace element 
fingerprint
as obtained by trace element determination and data reduction has been successfully applied to clear out correlations and similarities among objects of archaeological interest. In the present paper instrumental neutron activation analysis and statistical data treatment were used to solve two archaeological question: (1) the search of white marble quarries which Etruscans were used to exploit to manufacture monuments and sculptures; (2) the search of similarity, and possibly of provenence, among pottery fragemets excavated in Sardinia and belonging to the eneolithic period. Trace element matrices are presented and discussed. Data treament, such as rare-earth element pattern and pattern recognition procedures, is reported and discussed.
