Rare-earth element comparative analysis in chosen geological samples using nuclear-related analytical techniques

Abstract

In this study, four analytical techniques for the detection of Sc, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb and Lu in volcanic rock specimens from Ghana have been compared. These rock samples were examined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, and instrumental neutron activation analysis. The Am-241 excitation-based X-ray fluorescence accuracies were good for Y, La, Ce, Nd, Eu, and the results were comparable to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis except Silver-anode X-ray tube X-ray fluorescence. This demonstrates the limitations of the tube-based X-ray fluorescence excitation system for rare earth elements analysis, primarily caused by interference between the K series X-ray emission from the transition metals and the relatively low intensities of L-series lines of the rare earth elements. Data on the precision and accuracy of these methods were based on IAEA SOIL-7 reference material.