k0-INAA for determining chemical elements in bird feathers

• DOI: 10.1016/j.nima.2010.02.052
• Publication Date: 2010-02-11T11:44:51Z
• Authors: Elvis J. França; Elisabete A.N. Fe...; Felipe Y. Fonseca; Alexsander Z. Ant...; Claudiney Bardini...; Márcio A. Bacchi; Vanessa S. Rodrigues; Isabel P.O. Cavalca
• Keywords: Neutron Activation Analysis; Trace element

The k0-method instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) was employed for determining chemical elements in bird feathers. A collection obtained taking into account several species from wet ecosystems diverse regions of Brazil. For comparison reason, feathers were actively sampled a riparian forest the Marins Stream, Piracicaba, São Paulo State, using mist nets specific capturing birds. Biological certified reference materials used assessing quality analytical procedure. Quantification performed k0-INAA Quantu Software. Sixteen elements, including macro and micronutrients, trace have been quantified feathers, which uncertainties varied 2% to 40% depending on element mass fraction. Results indicated high fractions Br (max=7.9 mg kg−1), Co (max=0.47 kg–1), Cr (max=68 Hg (max=2.79 Sb (max=0.20 Se (max=1.3 kg–1) Zn (max=192 probably associated with degree pollution areas evaluated. In order corroborate use results biomonitoring studies avian community, different factor methods check source apportionment locality clustering based feather composition.