k sub(0)-INAA of biological matrices at IPEN neutron activation analysis laboratory, Sao Paulo, using the k0_IAEA software

• Published in: Journal of radioanalytical and nuclear chemistry 2014-05, Vol.300 (2), p.637-644
• Main Authors: Puerta, D C, Figueiredo, AMG, Semmler, R, Jacimovic, R
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bias; Biological; Computer programs; Irradiation; Leaves; Neutron activation analysis; Neutron flux; Software
• ISSN: 0236-5731; 1588-2780
• DOI: 10.1007/s10967-014-3035-z

This study presents the results obtained in the application of the k sub(0)-standardization method at the Neutron Activation Analysis Laboratory at IPEN (LAN-IPEN), for biological sample analysis, by using the k0_IAEA software, provided by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The thermal to epithermal flux ratio f and the shape factor alpha of the epithermal flux distribution of the IEA-R1 nuclear reactor of IPEN were determined for the pneumatic irradiation facility and one selected irradiation position, for short and long irradiations, respectively. To obtain these factors, the "bare triple-monitor" method with super(197)Au- super(96)Zr- super(94)Zr was used. To evaluate the accuracy of the results, bias (%) and E sub(n)-number test were applied to the results obtained in the analysis of the biological reference materials NIST SRM 1547 peach leaves, INCT-MPH-2 mixed polish herbs and NIST SRM 1573a tomato leaves. Bias (%), for most elements, ranged from 0 to 30 %, in relation to certified values. E sub(n)-number values showed that, with few exceptions (Na in NIST SRM 1547 and NIST SRM 1573a, and Al, Cr, Sc and Zn in INCT-MPH-2), the results were within a 95 % CI. These results pointed to the possibility of using the k sub(0)-INAA method with the k0_IAEA software for analysis of biological samples at LAN-IPEN.