Determination of some bioelements in rice grains by neutron activation analysis

The dietetic contribution of some bioelements, namely sodium, potassium, chromium, manganese, copper, zinc, bromine and lanthanum from rice grains was investigated by destructive neutron activation analysis. Three different species of rice grains, all grown in the Po river valley, were studied on account of different industrial treatments they had been submitted to. Radiochemical separations were carried out by means of inorganic adsorbers such as hydrated antimony pentoxide, metallic cadmium, tin dioxide and manganese dioxide. Results are presented and discussed. Precision and accuracy of the method is discussed as well. A depletion of the mineral content of the rice grains related to the different industrial treatments was established together with an enrichment of bromine in the treated grains.