Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (EDXRF) on Corchorus tridens Linn

Abstract

Analyses were carried on Corchorus tridens Linn in order to ascertain its elemental composition using neutron activation analysis (NAA) and energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis (EDXRF). Nineteen (19) of the detected and determined elements were either essential, trace or heavy (Al, Ba, Br, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hf, K, La, Mn, Na Rb, Sm, Sc, Th, V and Zn) while ten (10) others (As, Cs, Dy, Eu, Lu, Mg, Ta, Ti, U and Yb ) were found at below detection limit (BDL) levels. Variations of the elemental concentrations from the two techniques and the different parts of the plant were compared using student’s t – test and ANOVA test. Translocation factor of the elements and their concentrations in the different parts of the plant were compared with normal concentrations in plants and recommended daily allowance (RDA) values. It was found that for some of the elements, pattern of distribution is in the order of roots > stems > leaves while for others there is no regular pattern of distribution. Also, the amounts of certain essential elements in C. tridens L. show that the plant can serve as a means of supplementation of required minerals for man and his animals.

Keywords: NAA, EDXRF, C. tridens L., translocation factor and bioaccumulation