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Abstract: Two different instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) methods were applied to characterize chemically 74 ceramic roof tile samples, found in the town of Pella, Greece and dated back to the Hellenistic Period (3rd century B. C.). The samples were first analyzed for 17 elements with a 4 hour irradiation and two counts and then re-analyzed for 9 elements with a 1 minute irradiation and two counts of short-lived radioisotopes. The results of both methods were very similar, showing the validity of the rapid INAA method (1 min irradiation) in the study of ancient ceramics. All samples were divided into 4 chemical groups, each one representing a different tiling.

The excavations at Mandalo in Macedonia, Greece, have produced a remarkably high number of obsidian objects, dated to the late Neolithic and early Bronze Age. Eleven of these samples were analysed by instrumental neutron activation for 19 minor and trace elements, in order to determine their provenance. It was found that all Neolithic and one Bronze Age samples came from the Carpathian 1 source, while another Early Bronze Age sample came from the Demenegaki source in Melos. The overlap between Carpathian and Melian obsidian distributions is evidence for interactions of ancient Macedonia with central Europe and the Aegean. Also, according to this finding, the Carpathian distribution pattern has now been extended for another 400km to the south, from Vincˇa to Mandalo.

Abstract: The domestic and industrial waste water from most of the greater Athens, Greece area is discharged into shallow water at the upper end of the semi-enclosed Saronikos Gulf. The lack of circulation and excess organic matter has led to the formation of a rapidly expanding sludge field. Black anoxic sediments high in organic carbon now cover almost 9 sq km of sea floor and contain high concentrations of heavy metals. Maximum increases above background values range from 22 for mercury, 1500 for arsenic, 1200 for chromium, to 3000 for zinc. The principal sources of metals are 1) a fertilizer factory, 2) the Athens sewer outfall, and 3) the industries in eastern Elefsis Bay.

Abstract: Neutron activation analysis, in combination with multivariate analysis of the generated data, was used for the chemical characterization of prehistoric pottery from the Greek islands of Thera, Melos (islands with similar geology) and Crete. The statistical procedure which proved that Theran pottery could be distinguishable from Melian, is described. This discrimination, attained for the first time, was mainly based on the concentrations of the trace elements Sm, Yb, Lu and Cr. Also, Cretan imports to both Thera and Melos were clearly separable from local wares.

Abstract: This paper presents the results on 20 minor and trace elements of a wide analytical programme — based on neutron activation and statistical analysis — which deals with the chemical characterization of pottery from the Cycladic islands and Crete, during the Bronze Age (Cycladic period), with particular reference to Akrotiri on Thera. Multivariate analysis of the neutron activation data showed that the majority of the pottery found in Akrotiri was locally made, by one type of clay. This in connection with the local style that Akrotiri had introduced, supports the idea of an autonomous development. Contacts with neighbouring islands were also confirmed.

Abstract: Thirty elements were determined by two INAA methods in sediment core samples from N. Saronikos Gulf, Greece, and the results were subjected to multivariate analysis. This procedure resulted in the separation of samples into chemical groups that were environmentally meaningful and sufficient to (a) distinguish among different pollution sources; (b) trace the routes and the extent of pollution in sediments; and (c) define the least affected areas representing the geochemical background. The principal components analysis of the analytical data for 18 selected elements revealed that, among the elements determined in this study, the most discriminating were As, Sb, Ag, Ca, Au, Zn and the rare earth elements (REE).

Concentrations of zinc, cobalt, bromine, rubidium and gold have been determined by neutron activation analysis in 18 maternal and umbilical cord blood sera as well as in 7 healthy non-pregnant women who served as controls. The concentrations of essential trace elements (zinc and cobalt) were significantly lower while levels of non-essential trace elements were similar (bromine and rubidium) or increased (gold) in sera of pregnant as compared to sera of non-pregnant women. The mean value of zinc in the umbilical cord was 1.9 times higher than that of mothers. However, no correlation exists between the values of zinc in maternal and umbilical cord blood sera. These data support the hypothesis that zinc is actively transported from mother to fetus through the placenta.

Non-destructive neutron-activation analysis is used for determining chlorine in paper-pulp. Numerical data have been obtained for bleached and unbleached paper-pulps of different types and origins. The sensitivity of this method is 100 ppm for an irradiation time of 30 min and a neutron flux of 6 × 1010neutrons.cm−2.sec−1and 10 ppm for an irradiation time of 1 min and a neutron flux of 2 × 1012neutrons.cm−2.sec−1. In both cases the amount of chlorine that can be determined depends on the presence of the interfering elements manganese and sodium in the paper-pulp. The time required for a complete analysis, after irradiation, is 5 min.

Concentrations of zinc, cobalt, selenium, rubidium, bromium, and gold have been determined by neutron activation analysis in 18 placenta) and 6 liver tissue samples at birth. Their respective mean concentrations ± standard deviations (parts per million) were 58 ± 10, 0.060 ± 0.036, 1.90 ± 0.41, 14.0 ± 3.5, 26.9 ± 14.3, and 0.31 ± 0.14 in placenta, and 651 ± 257, 0.156 ± 0.077, 4.52 ± 1.96, 9.2 ± 3.7, 11.2 ± 4.1, and 0.12 ± 0.06 in liver tissue. Thus, we observed that the mean concentrations of essential trace elements (zinc, cobalt, and selenium) were significantly higher in liver than in placenta, whereas the nonessential trace elements (rubidium, bromium, and gold) were found in significantly higher concentrations in placenta than in liver tissue.

Summary: Concentrations of zinc, cobalt, selenium, rubidium, bromium, and gold have been determined by neutron activation analysis in 18 placenta) and 6 liver tissue samples at birth. Their respective mean concentrations ± standard deviations (parts per million) were 58 ± 10, 0.060 ± 0.036, 1.90 ± 0.41, 14.0 ± 3.5, 26.9 ± 14.3, and 0.31 ± 0.14 in placenta, and 651 ± 257, 0.156 ± 0.077, 4.52 ± 1.96, 9.2 ± 3.7, 11.2 ± 4.1, and 0.12 ± 0.06 in liver tissue. Thus, we observed that the mean concentrations of essential trace elements (zinc, cobalt, and selenium) were significantly higher in liver than in placenta, whereas the nonessential trace elements (rubidium, bromium, and gold) were found in significantly higher concentrations in placenta than in liver tissue.Speculation: The observed Difference in the distribution pattern of the stutdied trace elements in placenta and liver tissues should be extended to other essential and nonessential trace elements. it would also be intresting to study the distrubution pattern of trace elements in various pathologic conditions of the fetus.