Determination of the elemental contents in stream sediments collected from Cheongju city by instrumental neutron activation analysis.

Sediment samples were collected from seven locations of the MeeHo stream in Cheongju city, strained out by a sieve, dried by an oven and pulverized by an agate mortar. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was applied for the determination of the elemental contents in the sediment samples by using the NAA #1 and #2 irradiation holes of the HANARO research reactor and HPGe gamma-ray spectrometers. Twenty-five elements were determined by a relative method with NIST SRM 2711-Montan Soil and the ranges of the elemental contents for the seven locations were identified. The contamination levels for elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn were compared with the guidelines of USEPA. The detection limits and combined uncertainties for the hazardous elements such as As, Ba, Cr, Mn, Sb, V and Zn were estimated under the given analytical conditions.