Elemental distribution patterns in rock samples from Egypt using neutron activation and complementary X-ray fluorescence analyses

Badawy W. Silachyov I. Dmitriev A. Lennik S. Saleh G. Mitwalli M. El-Farrash A. Sallah M.
December 2023 Elsevier Ltd

Applied Radiation and Isotopes
2023 #202

The study utilized instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) to accurately analyze the elemental composition of 28 felsite (rhyolite), rock samples. Statistical approaches, including bivariate and multivariate analysis, were employed to characterize the rocks and determine their origin. Major findings include significantly high levels of silicon (297000 ± 4000) mg/kg and low levels were noticed for gold (0.10 ± 0.01) mg/kg. The dominant major elements in the rocks were ranked as follows: silicon > aluminum > potassium > sodium > zirconium > calcium > zinc > manganese. A comparison with the upper continental crust (UCC) revealed higher levels for most elements, except for a few. The study also identified substantial amounts of uranium and thorium. Variations in elemental composition were observed both between different profiles and within felsite (rhyolite) rock samples, indicating heterogeneity and varying origins of the rocks. The findings contribute valuable baseline data for the area and highlight its economic significance for Egypt. Additionally, the study addresses the integration of results from different analytical methods, providing a comprehensive answer to this issue.

Egypt , INAA and XRF , Major and trace elements , Multivariate statistics , Um Safi , Wadi Siwiqat Um Lassaf area

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Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics, Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, 141980, Russian Federation
Radiation Protection and Civil Defense Department, Nuclear Research Center, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority, Cairo, 13759, Egypt
Institute of Nuclear Physics, Ibragimov str.1, Almaty, 050032, Kazakhstan
Nuclear Materials Authority, El-Maadi, P.O. Box 530, Cairo, Egypt
Physics Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, 35516, Egypt
Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology, New Damietta, 34517, Egypt

Frank Laboratory of Neutron Physics
Radiation Protection and Civil Defense Department
Institute of Nuclear Physics
Nuclear Materials Authority
Physics Department
Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology

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