Quantification of silicon concentration in sugarcane ash using the neutron activation technique with an isotopic source

Abstract

In the realm of agronomic research, the neutron activation technique has gained traction, particularly in regions such as Paraguay, for its capability to deploy an isotopic source for the quantification and identification of agriculturally pertinent minerals. Within the ambit of sugarcane cultivation, both silicon (Si) and silica (SiO2) emerge as paramount, owing to their efficacy in fortifying the sugarcane plant's resistance to phytopathogens and pests, as well as their role in mitigating lodging phenomena. Notably, an uptick in silica accumulation has been correlated with amplified biomass and sucrose production metrics. This underscores the imperative for a meticulous quantification of Si and SiO2 within sugarcane derivatives, catering to both agronomic and industrial directives. Addressing the extant lacuna in regional datasets, this investigation endeavored to elucidate the inherent concentrations of Si and SiO2 within distinct anatomical segments of sugarcane, viz., leaves, entire stems, bark, and bagasse. A total of eight sugarcane cohorts, each encompassing 10 specimens, were subjected to the experimental paradigm. Adhering to a fully randomized design, each cohort was trialed in triplicate. Post desiccation at 105°C, the resultant specimens underwent calcination in a muffle furnace at an approximation of 500°C for a sextet of hours. The experimental variables under scrutiny encompassed mass (in grams), Si concentration (in percentage), and SiO2 content. Subsequent quantifications of Si and SiO2 within the ash specimens were operationalized using a nuclear analytical modality coupled with an isotopic neutron source. Post-acquisition, the data were subjected to a unidirectional analysis of variance, with an ensuing post-hoc DMS comparative analysis. Empirical findings highlighted that ash derived from integral sugarcane stems registered a preeminent mass juxtaposed against other segments. Intriguingly, leaf-derived ash manifested the zenith of Si and SiO2 concentrations, quantified at 24% for Si and 51.5% for SiO2. In summation, the neutron activation technique, undergirded by an isotopic source, has manifested its robustness in pinpointing Si concentrations within sugarcane ash, thereby accentuating the potential of leaf ash as a quintessential fount for silica extraction. Such insights bear salient implications for nations, such as Paraguay, where the evolution of agronomic modalities remains an ongoing endeavor.