Determining the amount of Br, Na and K in six wheat samples with neutron activation analysis (NAA) method in Arak, I.R. Iran

Accurate knowledge of the trace elemental concentrations in wheat and its products is of great importance from a nutritional point of view. In this study, six wheat samples were prepared from the agriculture research center of Arak named Sardari, Amir, MV-17, Batava, Karaj-2 and Alvand; they were analyzed by neutron activation method (NAA). In this method, Isfahan miniature reactor as a neutron source and relative NAA method has been used as the analysis type. In this design in order to record gamma spectrum the MCA system and high purity germanium detector were used. Finally, the concentration of the trace elements such as Br, K and Na value was determined for the Sardari, Amir, Alvand, MV-17, Batava, Karaj-2 wheat samples. The average concentration of trace elements in all wheat samples in the studied area are 2.41(0.8597-6.1175) mg kg-1 for Br, 13.42(8.7063-24.696) mg kg-1 for Na and 463.30(434.22-505.45) mg kg-1 for K, respectively. These were compared with other reports results. This study has been conducted as the first time for this region. (author)