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 29Si(n,p)29Al 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 microg g(-1) level by employing NAA and PAA with radiochemical separation are outlined.