Accumulation and distribution of elements in rice /seed,brand layer,husk/ by neutron activation analysis

Various rice samples /seed, brand layer, husk/ from Vietnam were analyzed for Se, Hg, Cr, Ni, Sc, Rb, Fe, Zn and Co by neutron activation analysis. The concentration values found /seed/ were the following: Se 0.04–0.07 ppm, Hg 0.02–0.07 ppm, Cr 2.13–8.65 ppm, Ni 1.56–4.95 ppm, Sc 0.02–0.06 ppm, Rb 0.84–2.71 ppm, Fe 26.31–96.07 ppm, Zn 10.65–27.39 ppm and Co 0.02–0.15 ppm. The values were reported in ppm /dry weight/. Statistical analysis /t-test, t=0.05/ showed that the content of elements varies between sorts of rice; the content of Rb, Fe, Ni, Cr of rice husk was significantly higher than in rice seed and brand layer.     

Neutron activation analysis of asbestos from Canada

Concentrations of Al, Au, Br, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Fe, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Sb, Sc, Sm, Srm and V were determined in 6 samples of asbestos from Canada. They were equal to (in ppm): Al 1660–3430; Au 0.03–0.04; Br 3.1–11.7; Ce 1.7–4.8; Cl 116–331; Co 35–83; Cr 200–2060; Fe 29300–42200; K 125–867; La 0.28–1.03; Mg 24–25.9%; Mn 418–545; Na 364–1610; Sb 0.65–1.46; Sc 3.73–5.57; Sm 0.09–0.3; Sr 26.7–41.4; V 8.4–14.3. Five toxic elements were found in asbestos; Cr, Mn, Ni, Sb and V.     

Trace elements analysis in rice

Various rice species, marketed in Austria, were analyzed for their Se, Cr, Ni, Rb, Fe, Co, Cs, Ag and Hg contents by neutron activation analysis. The concentration values found for Se ranged between 0.023 and 0.265 ppm, for Cr 0.540–1.875 ppm, for Ni 0.359–0.965 ppm, for Rb 1.604–6.400 ppm, for Fe 24.3–139.8 ppm, for Co 0.026–0.055 ppm, for Cs 0.016–0.032 ppm, for Ag 0.0006–0.0034 ppm, for Hg 0.003–0.023 ppm. Statistical analysis showed in the majority of cases that there is a significant difference in Se, Cr, Ni, Rb, Fe, Co, Hg contents but not in Cs. Highest values of Se and Fe were found in rice from Belgium /long seed, super patna/, whereas the Cr concentration was the highest in rice from Thailand /siam patna/. Ni was highest in rice from Uncle Ben's, Rb in Kresto from USA.     

Concentration of Cr,Fe, Co and Zn in some Nigerian food grains

Elemental analysis of some Nigerian grains for cobalt, zinc, iron, and chromium, was done by thermal NAA. The concentration of these essential trace elements were found as follows: rice /0.18–0.98 ppm Cr, 27–307 ppm Fe, 0.133–0.237 ppm Co, 12.4–17.8 ppm Zn/; soyabean /0.32–0.59 ppm Cr, 67–81 ppm Fe, 0.244–0.358 ppm Co, 42–45 ppm Zn/; maize /0.05–0.75 ppm Cr, 22.7–47.6 ppm Fe, 0.20–0.65 ppm Co, 15.8–33.4 ppm Zn/; ground-nut /0.22–2.02 ppm Cr, 27.2–34.8 ppm Fe, 0.08–1.73 ppm Co, 24.3–38.2 ppm Zn/. No pattern was established for the elemental concentration in the grain samples. The result obtained suggest that an average diet of these grains will provide an adequate concentration of these essential elements.     

Aktivierungsanalytische Bestimmung von Verunreinigungen in hochreinem Aluminium

Zusammenfassung Zur Bestimmung geringer Gehalte der Elemente Au, Hg, Cu, Cd, As, Sb, Sn, Ga, Fe, In, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Mo und W in hochreinem Aluminium wurde eine aktivierungsanalytische Methode ausgearbeitet. Bei einer Einwaage von insgesamt etwa 1 g kann die Analyse mit Nachweisempfindlichkeiten zwischen 1 · 10^–6 (Au) und 0,5 ppm (Fe) durchgeführt werden. Die erforderlichen chemischen Trennoperationen werden beschrieben.

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Summary A method is described for the determination of low contents of the elements Au, Hg, Cu, Cd, As, Sb, Sn, Ga, Fe In, Cr, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Mo and W in high-purity aluminium by activation analysis. With sample weights of about 1 g sensitivities are obtained between 1 · 10^–6 (Au) and 0,5 ppm (Fe). The chemical separation procedures required are described.

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Den Herren W. Schweighofer und U. Grahmann möchten wir an dieser Stelle für ihre wertvolle Mitarbeit hei der Ausarbeitung und Durchführung der Analysen danken.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. W. Geilmann zum 75. Geburtstag gewidmet.     

Determination of arsenic,scandium, chromium,cobalt and nickel in asbestos by neutron activation analysis

Arsenic, scandium, chromium, cobalt and nickel were determined by neutron activation analysis in various Chrysolite-Asbestos from Canada, Russia, Italy in an asbestos plate, and in dry, as well as in wet manufactured asbestos. Following concentration values were found: for As 0.01–5.5 ppm, for Sc 5.4–14.80 ppm, for Cr 79.5–918.8 ppm, for Co 10.8–80.9 ppm, for Ni 148–1786 ppm. Statistically significant differences /t=0.05/ in contents of As, Sc, Cr, Co and Ni were detected in the different samples of asbestos. The concentration of As and Cr in Italian asbestos were considerably higher than in Canadian chrysolite.     

Multielement determination in water by instrumental neutron activation analysis

Instrumental neutron activation analysis /INAA/ technique has been applied to a water sample to determine the elemental concentrations. The sample was irradiated with a neutron flux of 1.2×10¹² n cm^–2 s^–1 for two different periods followed by counting at three different decay times, using two coaxial type high-resolution Ge/Li/ detectors. The dominant elements determined in the water sample are Ca, Cl, Na, Mg, and K present in ppm-level while Co, I, Mn, Sm, and Sb are present in smaller amounts, approximately on the average 0.01 ppm. Only traces of other elements such as the rare-earth elements, Ag, As, Ba, Cu, Cd, Fe, Sr, W, Zn, seem to be present in the water sample.     

Spectrographic estimation of impurities in selenium

Summary An emission spectrographic method for the estimation of impurities of Al, As, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Te, Ti, V, Zn and Zr in high purity selenium at concentrations less than 1 ppm has been developed. The impurities were separated from 1 g of selenium by volatilizing Se from its solution in nitric acid and sulphuric acid. The residue containing impurities was dissolved in small amounts of 6 M HCl and loaded along with the washing on 10 mg mixture containing graphite (90%) and sodium chloride carrier (10%), in the electrode crater. The spectra were excited in a d.c. arc carrying 13 A. The detection limits lie in the range 0.005–0.5 ppm for the different elements. The precision of the method ranges from 7–18% for these elements.

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Spektrographische Bestimmung von Verunreinigungen in Selen

Zusammenfassung Folgende Verunreinigungen werden in hochreinem Selen in Konzentrationen von <1 ppm bestimmt: Al, As, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Te, Ti, V, Zn und Zr. Das Selen wird von den Verunreinigungen durch Verdampfen abgetrennt (Lösen einer 1 g-Probe in HNO₃/H₂SO₄). Der Rückstand wird in 6 M HCl gelöst und zusammen mit einem Graphit/NaCl-Gemisch (9010) in die Elektrodenbohrung gefüllt. Die Anregung erfolgt in einem Gleichstrombogen von 13 A. Die Nachweisgrenzen liegen im Bereich von 0,005–0,5 ppm, die Genauigkeit beträgt 7–18%.

     

Study of hair element content from an urban Bulgarian population using NAA assessment of environmental status

In this preliminary study, scalp hair samples from 36 individuals resident in Sofia, Bulgaria, were analysed and Ag, Al, As, Au, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, F, Fe, Hg, I, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, W, and Zn were determined. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) methods were used. Three washing procedures.: distilled-deionised water; acidacetone-water; and Triton X-100 detergent-water, showed a variable elemental change strongly dependent on the procedure used. More than 18 elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cs, F, Fe, I, K, La, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Sc, Sr and V) were easily removed by water-washing. Triton X-100 detergent was more effective in removing Ag, As, Au, Cl, Cs, K, Na and Rb; but not Hg. Only S and Zn were strongly incorporated in the hair structure (less than 10% being removable by any washing technique). There is no significant age correlation with any element between the various hair treatment groups. Elevated cadmium levels were found in the hair of smokers (0.711–4.913 g/g Cd) compared with nonsmokers (0.568–2.681 g/g Cd). Comparison of the elemental data for distilled water-washed hair and studies from Oxford, England and Hastings, and Hastings, New Zealand (using the same INAA method) revealed interesting variations dependent on local industrial and nutritional factors.     

Benthic fluxes of trace metals in the lagoon of Venice

To assess the exchange and the mobility of trace metals between sediments and water and their geochemical behaviour, experiments were carried out within the sphere of the CORILA project for the safeguarding of the Venice lagoon. Trace element exchanges were examined for approximately 60 h at two sites in the central part of the Venice lagoon (Italy): the first one is located in front of the industrial area of Porto Marghera (Tresse) and the second one in front of Campalto, near the causeway (Campalto). The experiments were carried out using a benthic chamber monitored for pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and temperature. The temporal trend of metals inside the benthic chamber was examined in relation to changes of pH and dissolved oxygen. Diffusive metal fluxes were also assessed by determination of the vertical distribution of metals in pore water.Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Sb, U, V and Zn were determined by ICP-SFMS. The metal concentrations for the lagoon samples were in agreement with expected values; the concentration ranges (min–max in ng/ml) were: Al 0.24–0.61, As 1.42–2.27, Cd 0.050–0.182, Cu 0.81–2.46, Fe 0.25–1.66, Mn 11.59–31.66, Mo 6.50–10.62, Sb 0.139–0.516, U 1.7–3.3, V 0.69–3.21, Zn 5.20–21.51.Positive fluxes for the Tresse and Campalto experiments were determined for Cd (0.21 and 0.18 pmol/cm²/h), Zn (62 and 67 pmol/cm²/h), Cu (0.29 and 0.50 pmol/cm²/h) and Mn (19 and 12 pmol/cm²/h), while negative fluxes were determined for iron (−3.5 and −6.3 pmol/cm²/h). Other elements showed differences in behaviour for the two experiments; the fluxes, for the Tresse and Campalto experiments, respectively, were 5.1 and −6.9 pmol/cm²/h for molybdenum, 0.25 and −0.18 pmol/cm²/h for arsenic and 1.3 and −8.4 pmol/cm²/h vanadium. Therefore, the different characteristics of the two areas affect the mobility of trace elements, which can derive from differences in the environmental characteristics of the two areas or seasonal difference in which the experiments were carried out.     

Elemental analysis of human placenta by neutron irradiation and gamma-ray spectrometry (standard,prompt and fast-neutron)

Human placental tissue from 100 hospitalized deliveries were analysed for Ag, Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Cl, Co, Cr, Cs, Cu, F, Fe, I, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Rb, S, Sb, Sc, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, V, W and Zn using a combination of pre-chemical separation of sodium with hydrated antimony pentoxide and instrumental neutron activation analysis. Boron and Si values were determined using prompt gamma-ray and fast-neutron techniques respectively. Analysis of NBS-SRM Bovine Liver 1577 and a pooled standard placental tissue for 33 elements showed a good agreement with most coefficients of variation less than or equal to 15%, and recoveries of 91–104%. Symmetrical distributions, were obtained for all elemental placental values. Only Cd(–) and Zn(+) showed statistically significant correlations with birth weight, gestational age and placental weight. The influence of cigarette smoking is considered a major factor in producing elevated cadmium levels in the placental tissue of smokers and passive smokers, and hence lower birth weights.     

Preconcentration of trace elements by partial dissolution of the matrix—multielement preconcentration from manganese

Trace elements such as Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Ni, Pb, Pd and Tl, can be preconcentrated with recoveries of better than 95% from high-purity manganese if the sample is coated with a thin layer of mercury before its dissolution in HCl to a small residue. For determination of the trace elements, the residue is completely dissolved in aqua regia. After separation of the mercury by reductive precipitation, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ga, In, Ni, Pb, and Tl are determined by flame a.a.s. ('injection method'). Ag, Au and Pd are determined in the mercury-containing solution. The relative standard deviation was usually about 5%; Cu, Fe and Pb were proved to be inhomogeneously distributed in the sample (electrolytically produced manganese), and so the standard deviations were considerably greater. The detection limits for the different elements were between 0.6 and 0.004 ppm, depending on the sensitivity of their a.a.s. determination. The theoretical basis of this preconcentration method and its applicability to multielement analysis of different high-purity metals are discussed.     

Concentration and distribution of toxic elements in rice and husk

Five varieties of rice have been analyzed to study the prevailing concentration and distribution of 10 trace elements in rice and rice husk. NAA in combination with AAS has been utilized for the determination of Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Br, Sb, Se, Ni, Al and Cs. The elemental ratios of rice to husk and within rice have been calculated to get information regarding their uptake channels. The daily supply of the elements to the human body has been estimated and from these the safety of the diet has been assessed by comparing with the suggested tolerance levels. A global distribution pattern of some of these elements in rice has also been evaluated.     

Recovery Conditions,Impurity Composition,and Characteristics of Amorphous Silicon Dioxide from Wastes Formed in Rice Production

The conditions of recovery of amorphous and crystalline silicon dioxide from husk and straw of rice cultivated in various regions were studied. The dependence of the impurity composition and characteristics of amorphous silica on the plant strain, waste type, and procedures of waste processing was established. The optimum conditions of production of high-purity silicon dioxide were determined, and its characteristics were compared with those of commercial products.__________Translated from Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, Vol. 78, No. 2, 2005, pp. 324–328.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Zemnukhova, Fedorishcheva, Egorov, Sergienko.     

Polarographic determination of Pb, Tl, Bi and Sb in ethylenediamine in presence of mannitol

Summary Pb, Tl, Bi and Sb yield well defined polarograms in 1 M ethylenediamine in presence of 3% mannitol, with half-wave potentials at – 0.71 V, – 0.51 V, – 0.60 V and – 1.10 V, respectively. Only Pb and Tl develop maxima which can be suppressed by 0.02% gelatin. Presence of mannitol prevents the precipitation of Pb, Bi, and Sb in the alkaline solution. Simultaneous determinations of Pb/Tl, Bi/Sb, and Pb/Sb can be carried out.

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Polarographische Bestimmung von Pb, Tl, Bi und Sb in Äthylendiamin in Gegenwart von Mannit

Zusammenfassung Gut ausgebildete Polarogramme kann man von diesen Elementen in 1 M Äthylendiamin in Gegenwart von 3% Mannit erhalten. Die Halbstufenpotentiale liegen bei – 0,71 V (Pb), – 0,51 V (Tl), – 0,60 V (Bi) und – 1,10 V (Sb). Maxima, die im Falle von Pb und Tl gebildet werden, können durch 0,02% Gelatine unterdrückt werden. Durch Mannit wird die Fällung von Pb, Bi, und Sb in der alkalischen Lösung verhindert. Simultanbestimmungen von Pb/Tl, Bi/Sb und Pb/Sb sind möglich.

Our sincere thanks are due to Dr. G. B. Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Chemistry, B.H.U. for providing the necessary facilities.     

Spectrophotometric determination of copper(II) using oximidobenzotetronic acid

Summary Oximidobenzotetronic acid (OBTA) is proposed as a sensitive spectrophotometric reagent for the estimation of 0.5–3.0 ppm of copper(II) at 427 nm in 50% dioxan at p_H 5.3–7.5. For the estimation of 2 ppm Cu(II), 1.3 ppm Ni(II), 1.3 ppm Co(II), 3.2 ppm Fe(II), 10.3 ppm Fe(III), 9.7 ppm Ce(IV), 300 ppm acetate, 160 ppm oxalate, 95 ppm tartrate, 50 ppm citrate, as well as Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II)) Pb(II), Mn(II), As(III) as well as (V), Th(IV), Be(II), Ce(III), La(III), V(V) and Mo(VI), even when present in large quantities, do not interfere. The interference due to 25 ppm Bi(III), 20 ppm Sb(III), 20 ppm Sn(II), 25 ppm Sn(IV) and 30 ppm W(VI) can be removed by the addition of 95 ppm tartrate ions.

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Zusammenfassung Oximidobenzotetronsäure wurde als empfindliches Reagens zur spektrophotometrischen Bestimmung von 0,5 bis 3,0 ppm Kupfer(II) bei 427 nm in 50%iger Dioxanlösung bei p_H 5,3 bis 7,5 vorgeschlagen. Die Anwesenheit von 1,3 ppm Ni(II), 1,3 ppm Co(II), 3,2 ppm Fe(II), 10,3 ppm Fe(III), 9,7 ppm Ce(IV), 300 ppm Acetat, 160 ppm Oxalat, 95 ppm Tartrat, 50 ppm Citrat sowie die Anwesenheit auch großer Mengen Zn(II), Cd(II), Hg(II), Pb(II), Mn(II), As(III) bzw. (V), Th(IV), Be(II), Ce(III), La(III), V(V) und Mo(VI) stören die Bestimmung von 2 ppm Cu(II) nicht. Der störende Einfluß von 25 ppm Bi(III), 20 ppm Sb(III), 20 ppm Sn(II), 25 ppm Sn(IV) und 30 ppm W(VI) kann durch Zusatz von 95 ppm Tartrat beseitigt werden.

     

Nachweis und Bestimmung von Spuren toxikologisch wichtiger Metallionen mit Hilfe der Ringofenmethode

Zusammenfassung Es wird eine Methode zum Nachweis und zur Bestimmung von Metallen aus hochverdünnten Lösungen (Konzentrationsbereich 10^–4 bis 10^–7 Mol/l) beschrieben, bei welcher die Metallspuren zur Anreicherung gefÄllt, filtriert und mit Hilfe der Ringofenmethode auf Papierfilter übertragen werden.Das besonders für toxikologische Untersuchungen bestimmte spurenanalytische Verfahren ist sowohl für den qualitativen Nachweis von Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb, Bi, Hg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr und Tl geeignet (Nachweisgrenze in 5 ml Probelösung von 0,1–0,8 g), wie auch für die halbquantitative Bestimmung von Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb, Bi, Hg, Fe, Zn und Tl nach der Methode der Ringofentüpfelcolorimetrie.Die halbquantitativen Bestimmungen lassen sich noch mit insgesamt 4–8 g des entsprechenden Metalls in 10 ml Probelösung ohne Schwierigkeiten durchführen. Die Genauigkeit der Methoden entspricht den Anforderungen bei spurenanalytischen Untersuchungen.

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Summary A method for the identification and determination of metals from highly dilute solutions (concentrations of 10^–4–10^–7 Moles/l) is described; the traces of the metals are precipitated, filtrated and transferred to filter-paper by means of the ringoven method.This trace analytical procedure is especially determined for qualitative and semiquantitative toxicological investigations. Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb, Bi, Hg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr and Tl can be identified (identification limits between 0,1–0,8 g in 5 ml of test solution).The semi-quantitative determination of Cu, Cd, Sb, Pb, Bi, Hg, Fe, Zn, and Tl can likewise be carried out. 4–8 g only of the respective metal in 10 ml of test solution are needed. The reproducibility of the various determinations is satisfactory for trace analytical investigations.

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Herrn Prof. Dr. Ing. Fritz Feigl zum 75. Geburtstag herzlichst gewidmet.     

Thermal kinetics and morphological investigation of alkaline treated rice husk biomass

Agro waste bio mass are creating challenges for environment in term of air pollution due to improper disposal. Rice milling is the process in which rice husk is produced as by-product. The agro-waste rice husk has tremendous potential to be used either in its raw form or in ash form. The inherent component of this waste cellulose provides enhanced properties in a reinforced composite when used as filler. Rice husk is the hard outer layer and covering rice seed, which makes reinforcement challenging in its original form. Fiber surface treatment significantly improves adhesion with matrix and various thermo chemical properties of filler as well as of composites. NaOH treatment is cost-effective and it ensures the adhesion with matrix by removal of hemicellulose and lignin. The chemical treatment of agro-waste (rice husk) is performed with 5% alkali solutions of NaOH in water. Results are compared with the properties of untreated rice husk for thermal and morphological characterizations. In the present work, we are trying to quantify the impact of chemical treatment on rice husk thermal decomposition and its kinetics. Thermogravimetric analysis and kinetics study of thermal degradation, provide key input towards pyrolysis pattern of rice husk, while FTIR and SEM analysis provide the prospects of this bio filler using a reinforcing agent to develop green composite and productive disposal. The FTIR data helps to find the possibilities of blending different bio fillers and natural fibers to find suitable reinforcing substances. The average activation energy of treated fiber is noted as 137.95 by KAS method and 108.08 by FWO method as compared to 55.56 by KAS method & 54.26 by FWO method for untreated rice husk.     

Propylene carbonate as a solvent for salting-out extraction and subsequent differential pulse polarography

Summary Selective and sensitive procedures are described for the direct differential pulse polarographic determination of antimony(III), indium(III) and cadmium(II) in propylene carbonate. This method was based on the salting-out extraction of their halide complexes into the solvent from acidic aqueous media. The extracted Sb(III), In(III) and Cd(II) complexes exhibit sharp differential pulse polarographic peaks at –0.21 V, –0.63 V and –0.72 V vs. SCE in salted-out propylene carbonate phases respectively. The lower limits of determination are 5.0g for Sb(III), 0.6g for In(III), and 0.2g for Cd(II) in 10 ml of the organic phase. A number of foreign ions are eliminated through both processes of solvent extraction and polarography using propylene carbonate.

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Propylencarbonat als Lösungsmittel für die Fällungs-Extraktion und die nachfolgende Differential-Puls-Polarographie

Zusammenfassung Selektive und empfindliche Verfahren für die direkte Bestimmung von Sb(III), In(III) und Cd(II) in Propylencarbonat mit Hilfe der Differential-Puls-Polarographie wurden beschrieben. Die vorliegende Methode beruht auf der Fällungs-Extraktion der Halogenid-Komplexe aus wäßrig-saurem Medium in das Lösungsmittel. Die extrahierten Komplexe des Sb(III), In(III) und Cd(II) ergeben scharfe Peaks bei –0,21 V, –0,63 V und –0,72 V gegen die Kalomelelektrode in den betreffenden Propylencarbonat-Phasen. Die unteren Grenzen der Bestimmungen liegen bei 5,0g Sb, 0,6g In bzw. 0,2g Cd in 10 ml organischer Phase. Eine Anzahl Fremdionen wird durch die beiden Prozesse der Extraktion und der Polarographie in Propylencarbonat ausgeschaltet.

     

Substoichiometric determination of trace impurities in zinc selenide

Determination of trace impurities in zinc selenide was carried out by substoichiometric neutron activation analysis. Trace impurities were separated from matrix elements by suitable procedures and determined by substoichiometric methods, i.e., Au was extracted with rhodamine-B, Ag and Cu with dithizone, Cr with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate, Co with 1-nitroso-2-naphthol, and Sb with cupferron. Two sorts of zinc selenide single crystals were supplied for analysis and the following values were obtained as impurity concentration; Au 0.36, 0.076 ppb, Ag 42, 32 ppb, Cr. 1.8, 0.63 ppm, Co 0.16, 0.0079 ppm, Sb 8.5, 5.9 ppb and Cu 1.4, 0.44 ppm. The behavior of copper by heat-treatment of zinc selenide was also studied by means of substoichiometric isotope dilution analysis.