Neutron Activation Analysis (NAA) of Senna occidentalis Linn

Abstract

Senna occidentalis Linn was subjected to neutron activation analysis (NAA) in order to assess its major, minor, trace and ultra-trace contents. The results indicated that Al, Ca, Fe, Na and K have the highest concentration followed by Mn, Zn and Rb while Co, Rb, La, Sc, Sm and Th were in traces. The presence of toxic metals (such as As) in the plant at low levels and absence of others (e.g Cd and Pb) indicates that the plant can be consumed but bearing in mind that long consumption of the plant may lead to their bioaccumulation. The pattern of bioaccumulation of the elements did not follow any particular trend among the different parts of the plant.

Key words: Senna occidentalis Linn and NAA.