Elemental composition of sediments from a former silver mine in Freiberg/East Germany

We have determined the contents of 48 elements in 11 representative sediments from a former Ag-mine in Freiberg/Sachsen. As analytical method the instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used without chemical preconcentration. Strongly varying compositions were observed for both the main and trace elements. Of particular interest were the high lanthanide and Th/U contents in these sediments.