Elemental analysis of marble used in Saudi Arabia by different nuclear analytical techniques

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and HPGe detector γ-spectroscopy were used to determine a total of 22 elements qualitatively and quantitatively for the first time from marble rock samples collected from local markets in Saudi Arabia. The elements determined are Mg, Ca, V, Na, Mn, As, La, Sm, U, Sc, Cr, Fe, Co, Zn, Sn, Ba, Ce, Eu, Yb, Lu, Hf, and Th. The samples were properly prepared together with their standard reference material and simultaneously irradiated by thermal neutrons at the TRIGA Mainz research reactor at a neutron flux of 7×1011 n/cm2 s. XRF was also used. The concentrations of natural radionuclides 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were also determined by gamma ray spectroscopy to estimate the radiological parameters such as radium equivalent activity, and the external hazard index was calculated to estimate the exposure risk from usage of marble as raw materials in construction. For the sake of comparison the results of concentration levels and radium equivalent activities are compared with similar studies carried out in other countries.

► The instrumental neutron activation analysis technique was used for analysis of marble. ► The samples simultaneously irradiated by thermal neutrons in the TRIGA Mainz research reactor. ► Twenty eight major and trace elements have been determined