A study of trace elements in atmospheric aerosols of the Eastern Siberia using neutron activation and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) and synchrotron radiation X-ray fluorescence analysis (SRXFA) have been used to investigate the trace elements content of atmospheric aerosols collected at several sites in Eastern Siberia during 1993–1996. Even so that more than 40 elements can be measured by neutron activation in an aerosol sample, certain elements of interest are still beyond its scope. Therefore, when the INAA can be applied in parallel with the alternate technique like SRXFA, a better understanding of aerosols sources and their temporal and spatial variabilities can be obtained.