Possibilities of low-level determination of silicon in biological materials by activation analysis

The capabilities of neutron and photon activation analysis (NAA and PAA, respectively) for low-level determination of silicon in biological materials have been examined. Sensitivities of a variety of modes of NAA and PAA with radiochemical separation have been evaluated. Results are presented for silicon in reference materials CSRM 12-2-03 Lucerne, Bowen's Kale, NIST SRM-1571 Orchard Leaves, and NIST SRM-1515 Apple Leaves. The results were obtained by employing the Si-29(n,p)Al-29 reaction with fast reactor neutrons and the radiochemical procedure developed for aluminium separation. Possibilities of further improvement of the silicon determination limit down to the mug g(-1) level by employing NAA and PAA with radiochemical separation are outlined.