Neutron Activation Analysis of Trace Metals in Cigarette

Abstract

The amount of Mn, La, Th, Eu, and Hf in fourteen brands of cigarettes randomly collected at a retail outlet in Samaru market, Zaria-Nigeria have been determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) techniques based on thermal neutron from a nuclear reactor in combination with high resolution gamma-ray spectrometry at Centre for Energy Research and Training (CERT), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. The cigarette brands are: CRM1, CBH2, CEX3, CLF4, CDC5, CAS6, CSM7, CCT8, CLD9, CLK10, CLM11l, CPM12, CFM13 and CBK14. The average levels of the determined metals in each of the brands are Mn: 173.0 ppm, 198.75 ppm, 227.90 ppm, 198.55 ppm, 214.10 ppm, 168.60 ppm, 150.70 ppm, 123.65 ppm, 267.10 ppm, 123.60 ppm, 183.10 ppm, 167.35 ppm, 118.50 ppm, 160.20 ppm respectively; and La: 1.39 ppm, 16.93 ppm, 1.30 ppm, 1.25 ppm, 1.37 ppm, 12.81 ppm, 11.12 ppm, 0.72 ppm, 1.02 ppm, 31.09 ppm, 1.98 ppm, 1.01 ppm, 0.86 ppm, 3.23 ppm respectively. The elements Th, Eu, Hf, which are known to have radioactive isotopes, were also detected in some brands of the cigarette. Thorium was found in L & D at 0.16 ppm. Eu was detected in London filter, Aspen and Link at 0.01 ppm, 0.01 ppm and 0.02 ppm respectively. Hafnium was detected in Excel and London filter at 0.47 ppm and 1.10 ppm respectively. Lichens (IAEA – 366) and Cabbage (IAEA – 359) as the certified reference material (standard) were applied for calibration and validation of analytical procedure. The techniques have proved sensitive, and therefore suitable for routine determination of these metals in tobacco cigarettes.