Some Aspects on Preconcentration for Neutron Activation Analysis

Abstract
A preconcentration method incorporated with neutron activation analysis was developed for the accurate determination of trace metals in biological and environmental samples. Bismuth diethyldithiocarbamate, thallium diethyldithiocarbarnate, and ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate were used as the preconcentration agents for three groups of metals. Trace metals were enriched and interfering elements such as Na, Br, P. K. etc. were removed simultaneously during the preconcentration process so that the sensitivity for each metal was greatly improved. Optimal conditions for sample digestion, group preconcentration of trace metals and neutron activation analysis of biological and environmental samples were discussed.