Comprehensive RNAA of cadmium, cobalt, nickel, and copper using 109Cd, 57Co, and reactor-produced 67Cu as radioisotopic yield monitors.

ABSTRACT

An existing radiochemical NAA procedure for Cd, Co, and Cu was improved to allow determination of individual radiochemical yields by the radioisotopic tracer technique, thus eliminating errors owing to variable recovery. 109Cd was used as tracer for Cd determination via 115Cd/115mIn, 57Co for Co via 60Co, and potentially for Ni via 58Co, whereas as a novelty 67Cu, produced by reactor irradiation of ZnO of natural isotopic composition (by the 67Zn [n,p] 67Cu reaction) was used for Cu via the indicator nuclide 64Cu. The simple production and purification of 67Cu by anion exchange is described. Results for biological RMs are given and discussed.