A rapid neutron-activation method for the simultaneous determination of arsenic and antimony in rocks

Abstract

A simple, rapid, radiochemical neutron-activation method for the determination of arsenic and antimony in rocks is described. After fusion with alkali and separation of the insoluble hydroxides, arsenic and antimony are determined in the filtrate and in the hydroxide fraction, respectively, by a single precipitation of the sulphides after acidifying each fraction with hydrochloric acid. Chemical yields are determined by re-activation. The precision of the method is high for both elements, as demonstrated by the analysis of some standard rocks, and the sensitivity is adequate for most geochemical studies.