Trace Elements Characterization in Rocks Using Neutron Activation Analysis, Northwestern Coast, Ras El-Hekma–Egypt

Abstract

The current work was carried out to characterize rock samples of mudstone, sand, and limestone collected at different depths from Northwestern Coast, Ras El-Hekma -Egypt. The samples were subjected to neutron activation analysis to determine the elemental composition and to better understand the geochemistry of the rocks. The abundance of 17 elements was determined. Bivariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed to investigate the origin of rocks and common geochemical characteristics (i.e., type, origin, geological history, major and trace composition, weathering, and alteration). The normalized results obtained showed that the abundances of Ca and Sr were significant compared to the corresponding values in the literature. The enrichment factor (EF) was calculated to obtain more information about the sources of the increased abundances of the metals. The results obtained can provide baseline data for the surveyed region and can be utilized by the government, policymakers, and interested parties for future research and development endeavors and planning.