Use of neutron activation for the determination of 2,4-D in aqueous solution

Abstract

A method based on neutron activation analysis was developed for the determination of fractions of milligrams of 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxy acetic acid) in aqueous solution in laboratory tests. The indirect determination of 2,4-D was based on the quantification of chlorine, 3sCl, produced by neutron activation. The range of application was 0.01-100 mg .I -I. No loss of 38CI by chemical effects of the nuclear reaction was found. The advantages of the proposed method include high precision and sensitivity of determination. Results were compared with those obtained by UV-Vis spectrophotometry, where concentrations less than I mg 1-1 were not detected.