Multielement analysis in cereals and pulses by k(0) instrumental neutron activation analysis

The concentrations of some elements in a few varieties of cereals and pulse s are determined by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis using a single comparator method (k(0)-standardised NAA method). A total of 15 elements a re measured. The method was validated by analysing the Standard Reference M aterial (SRM-1571) of NIST; the results are within +/-10% of the reported v alues for the majority of the elements. The measured concentrations of majo r and minor elements are analysed in terms of the average intake of mineral content and the role of these elements in terms of the nutritional value. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.