“…A thorough literature review was conducted in order to determine which were the optimum isotopes to count, potential irradiation times, and a preparation method for irradiation standards. Several researchers have reported using neutron activation for coal analysis (20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25)(26)(27)(28)(29)(30). Much of this work was for coals only; slag and fly ash samples have a much higher level of many elements.…”