Ko method of quantification in neutron activation analysis as applied to environmental samples

The _Ko factor method in neutron activation analysis adopts all the principles of comparator method and can be used for the rapid determination of elemental comcentrations during routine monitoring of environmental samples. The method necessiates the use of same in-pile conditions, such as irradiation time, irradiation position and the type of neutron spectrum, for which the factors have been generated. The _{K_o} factors were estimated for various elements of environmental importance for three irradiation positions of Apsara Reactor at Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. Standard reference materials of soil and coal were used for all the elements except for Hg for which HgCl₂ was used. The concentration of the elements determined using these factors in a flyash standard reference material revealed good agreement within 10% of the certified values. The efficacy of the method compared well with that of specific element comparator method as revealed by the elemental concentrations obtained by both the techniques.