Neutron activation analysis at the Moroccan TRIGA MARK II reactor: state of the art, methodological advances, applications and future perspectives

Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) is a powerful nuclear analytical technique widely used for multi-elemental characterization due to its high sensitivity, accuracy, and non-destructive nature. This review provides a comprehensive synthesis of studies conducted at the Moroccan TRIGA MARK II research reactor (CNESTEN), highlighting the applications and methodological advances of Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA). Environmental monitoring, food safety, medicinal plant analysis, and geochemical investigations emerge as the main application domains. The implementation of the k 0 -standardization method has significantly improved analytical performance and reproducibility. In parallel, the development of Prompt Gamma Neutron Activation Analysis (PGNAA), currently in a simulation-based phase, is discussed as a strategic extension of analytical capabilities. The integration of INAA and PGNAA is expected to enable a complementary analytical platform for both trace-level and real-time bulk analysis.