Evaluation of low temperature ashing of biological materials as a preconcentration method for PIXE analysis

Preconcentration is usually necessary to improve the detection limits of biological materials in PIXE analysis. Using two NBS standard materials - bovine liver and orchard leaves - the recovery of different elements after ashing is examined. Low temperatures ashed blood plasma is compared with freeze-dried plasma to examine the improvement in the wet weight detection limits. Both thick pellets and thinner targets are analysed and a comparison is made. (orig.)