Aluminum determination by instrumental neutron activation analysis in tree barks

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) for Al determination in tree bark samples containing phosphorus and silicon was studied. The contributions of the 31 P(n,α) 28 Al and 28 Si(n,p) 28 Al reactions to the 27 Al(n,γ) 28 Al reaction were corrected determining interference correction factors. Analytical quality control was evaluated by analyzing certified reference materials. The results presented good accuracy and precision. Replicate Al determinations in bark samples showed relative standard deviations ranging from 4.2 to 10.5%. The detection limits were lower than the mass fractions found in the samples, demonstrating the possibility to apply NAA in Al determinations in tree barks for biomonitoring studies and purposes.