Nuclear analytical techniques in Tanzania: a review

Abstract

It has been a tradition to perceive that Nuclear/Atomic radiations are only related to Nuclear/Atomic bombs, heavy ammunitions and consequently applications for human and non-peaceful destructions. In this paper the questions on how the Nuclear/Atomic radiations may be used for peaceful applications and specifically to Tanzanian situations are presented. Methods like Energy Dispersive X-Ray fluorescence (EDXRF), Particle Induced X-Ray Emission (PIXE), Electron probe Micro-Mass Analysis (EPMA), Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) for investigations of different types of samples in geology; environmental, medical, biological and chemical are discussed.