Dry-Ashing Preconcentration for Micro-Reactor-Based Neutron Activation Analysis of Food and Plant Samples

Author： Lalor Gerald C. Onianwa Percy C. Vutchkov Mitko K.

ISSN： 0306-7319

Source： International Journal of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry, Vol.83, Iss.5, 2003-05, pp. : 367-374

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Abstract

The application of preconcentration by dry-ashing to the neutron activation analysis of biological samples using a SLOWPOKE-2 low-power reactor is reported. Samples of selected food crops (banana, callaloo, carrot, mango, and yam) and bioindicator plants (lichen, moss, Tillandsia sp., and tree bark) were analysed both as plant tissue, and as ashed sample. The results are presented for 21 elements. Good agreement between both procedures (<10% relative="" standard="" error)="" was="" obtained="" for="" 13="" elements:="" al,="" ca,="" cd,="" cr,="" fe,="" k,="" la,="" mg,="" mn,="" na,="" sm,="" ti,="" and="" v.="" for="" dy,="" rb,="" and="" zn="" the="" agreement="" was="" 10-15%.="" relatively="" poorer="" agreement="" (="">15-30%) was obtained for As, Br, Cl, and Sb. Dry ashing produced improved analytical results for those samples that were of low ash content. However, the increased background counts observed in ashed samples can sometimes negate the concentration gain, particularly in plants with high ash contents but low levels of certain elements.