Neutron activation analysis of Bawaschi seeds

Seeds of (the plant) P.Corylifolia Linn (Bawachi) known for their therapeutic value in indigeneous medicine have been analysed for Cu, As, Sb and Se by thermal neutron activation analysis involving substoichiometric extraction and precipitation technique. 8-10 g of the seed dried at 80 deg C were refluxed with methanol, water or benzene. The standard solution containing 3-10 μg of Cu, Sb, As and Se and an aliquot of the extract were taken in quartz ampoules and carefully dried. Two samples (100-200 mg) of seed materials and one standard in sealed ampoules were placed in an aluminium can and irradiated for 2-3 days at a thermal flux of 8x1012-1x1013nxcm-2xs-1. Each sample was analysed at least twice. The chemical recovery of Sb, and As varied between 55% and 80%. Three irradiated samples could be processed and counted within 4 hrs. The amounts of Cu, As, Sb and Se per gram of seeds dried at 80 deg C are 16.0 +- 1.1 μg, 0.90 +- 0.4 μg, 12.1 +- 0.6 μg and 4.0 +- 0.2 μg, respectively. (T.G.)