A survey is presented of various nuclear analytical techniques (NATs), particularly in relation to applications in environmental and related life sciences studies. The type of information attainable as well its typical features in terms of strong and weak points are discussed against the background of non-nuclear techniques. The features are: (a) the underlying physically different basis for the analysis; (b) isotopic rather than elemental measurement; (c) mostly no effect of electrons and molecular structure; and (d) the penetrating character of nuclear radiation. The main obstacles for the appropriate use of NATs are lack of adequate information on their potentials and lack of typical examples. These obstacles have become worse because of the liberal policies of acceptance of articles by editors and referees. Furthermore, various practical problems and constraints in the application of NATs may laos act as obstacles. Guidelines are given to overcome these obstacles and increase opportunities for NATs to be used in niche areas in the analytical market where they can yield valuable or even unique analytical information on environmental and related life sciences studies.
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