Elemental concentrations in air and drinking water inside a fertilizer plant in Romania determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract

The elemental concentrations of Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, Dy, Eu, F, Fe, Hf, Hg, I, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Nd, Ni, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, W, Yb, Zn, and Zr in airborne particulate matter (PM10), deposited dust, and tap water samples collected inside a phosphate fertilizer plant in Romania have been determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). In addition, X-Ray Fluorescence Analysis (XRFA) was used to determine S, and also Ba, Mn, and Ti in airborne particulate mater. These results were compared with permissible levels given by the Romanian norms for chemical pollutants in the workplace atmosphere and potable water. All values were below the maximum permissible levels.