Neutron Activation Analysis of Sodium in Biological Samples Using Am-Be Source

Department of Chemistry, Nagpur University, Nagpur-440 010

Manuscript received 29 September 1982, accepted 10 March 1983

Sodium has been determined in 20 edible plant leaves and some beans by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) using a low flux ²⁴¹Am-Be neutron source. The method involves irradiation for 24 hr followed by counting for 40 min on NaI(TI) crystal detector and single channel analyzer. The amount of sodium varies from about 900 ppm to 3%. The method is simple, fast, non-destructive and reliable.