Application of INAA complementary gamma ray photopeaks to the homogeneity study of a mussel candidate reference material

Homogeneity study is one of the steps in reference material, RM, characterization. Due to its inherent characteristics, Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis, INAA, is an analytical technique of choice for homogeneity testing. An interesting possibility is the use of complementary gamma ray photopeaks to confirm INAA homogeneity test results. In this study, the use of the complementary gamma ray photopeaks of 110m Ag, 82 Br, 60 Co, 134 Cs, 152 Eu, 59 Fe, 140 La, 233 Pa (for Th determination), 46 Sc and 75 Se radionuclides was investigated in the between bottle homogeneity study of a mussel candidate RM under preparation at IPEN–CNEN/SP. Although some photopeaks led to biased element content results, the use of complementary gamma ray photopeaks proved to be helpful in supporting homogeneity study conclusions for the new RM under characterization.