Abstract: In this review paper, modern nuclear techniques are discussed for
the analysis of inorganic elements or tracers, including radioactive species in
the environment. Nuclear techniques allow many trace elements to be analyzed in
parts per 106 to parts per 109 range in both field and laboratory measurements.
For laboratory and insitu field measurements, techniques of X-ray fluorescence
(XRF), particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE), neutron activation analysis
(NAA) and radionuclide detection using NaI(Tl) spectrometer, Ge(Li), Si(Li),
silicon drift detector (SDD) spectrometer and HPGe spectrometer are discussed.
The paper also includes some of the studies carried out using these techniques
in various parts of the world. These studies are important not only from the
environmental contamination point of view, but also for various other applications.
