Neutron activation analysis of bottom and fly oil ashes

The concentrations of 25 elements in 7 oil ash samples were determined by c omputerized systematic instrumental absolute neutron activation analysis. I n the oil ash samples, the following mean concentrations (in ppm) of elemen ts were found: Al: 39531, As: 109, Ba: 1391, Ca: 29701, Ce: 295, Co: 1294, Cr: 1485, Cs: 7.9. Dy: 4.5, Eu: 1.2, Fe: 53094, Ga: 146, Hf: 2.2, La: 1534, Mn: 547, Na: 40277, Sb: 360, Sc: 2.3, Sm: 21, Sr: 674, Ta: 15.8, V: 130548 , W: 4.1. Yb: 0.9 and Zn: 3125. These findings were compared with the conce ntrations of elements found in coal ash samples. The concentrations of Co, Na and V were significantly higher in the oil ash samples, while the concen tration of Sc was lower. The purpose of this study has been to determine th e background levels of different elements in oil ash, in order to evaluate its potential impact on the environment.