Determination of non‐radioactive liquid phase markers, Co‐EDTA and Cr‐EDTA, by neutron activation analysis

Abstract

AbstractAn instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) method has been devised which permits rapid and reliable analysis of the liquid phase markers Cr‐EDTA and Co‐EDTA. Dried rumen fluid samples, containing Cr‐EDTA and Co‐EDTA, were irradiated in the Slowpoke reactor. The analytical scheme previously devised for solid phase marker 165mDy determination was found to provide an acceptable compromise between sensitivity and sample throughput (45 samples h−1) for the short‐lived 60mCo (T1/2=10.47 min). Cr measurements required longer irradiation cooling and counting times. To permit satisfactory sample throughput, batch sample irradiations and an automated NaI(Tl) scintillation detector was used. Gamma interferences were studied with a high resolution Ge(Li) detector and found to be negligible provided that sufficient decay time is allowed. Detection limits for Co and Cr are presented for the analytical schemes used.