A comparison of two separation techniques using NaI(Tl) and Ge(Li) spectrometry for trace element determination in biological materials by neutron activation analysis

A comparison of two group separation techniques using either NaI(Tl) or Ge(Li) spectrometry is presented for trace element determination in biological materials by neutron activation analysis. The capabilities of both procedures are described in terms of detection limits, precision and accuracy for the determination of the elements As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, and Zn in various types of biological samples. For this purpose the (standard) reference materials NBS SRM-1577 Bovine Liver, Bowen's Kale, IAEA Pig Kidney H-7 and IAEA Milk Powder A-11 were analyzed. An attempt was also made to minimize blank values for several elements. (author)