Determination of toxic and trace elements in algae by instrumental neutronactivation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis has been applied in the determinat ion of toxic and other trace elements in a set of three algae materials pro vided by the International Atomic Energy Agency, with the aim of environmen tal preservation through enhanced applications of nuclear analytical techni ques. The quality of the analysis method has been evaluated by analyzing a number of biological standard reference materials. By adding mineral nutrie nts, the cultivation of algae for metals is enhanced, in particular, select ed toxic heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb. It is believed tha t the level of elemental concentration in algae samples are dependent on en vironmental conditions due to its biochemical properties. Therefore, algae materials may be useful as an indicator or controller of environmental wate r pollution.