Method comparison of NAA and SSA on determination of Fe, Zn and Hg in spirulina platensis

Spirulina platensis is one of the dietary supplements containing nutrients (Fe, Zn) that are needed in the enzyme work process and organs formation and non-nutrient (Hg). Determination of Fe, Zn, and Hg was carried out by two method, which is Neutron Activation Analysis (NM) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS). Comparison of methods performed as cross checking results of the analysis to overcome the limitations of both methods, using linear regression between NAA and AAS analysis. Results of Fe, Zn and Hg analysis using NAA were in the range 647 to 3321 mg/kg, 19.2 to 43.3 mg/kg, and 0.679 to 0.917 mg/kg, while for SSA from 682 to 3251 mg/kg, 18.9 to 44.9 mg/kg, and 0.626 to 0.822 mg/kg, respectively. Results comparison elements for Fe, Zn and Hg in spirulina showed regression (R2) were 0.9999, 0.9860 and 0.8696, respectively. This showed good agreement between the two methods, so that both methods can complement each other well and can be applied to the determination of Fe, Zn and Hg in spirulina platensis. (author)