Title: Application of radiochemical neutron activation and atomic absorption spectrometry methods for the study of nutrition-pollution interactions in children

Authors: Tran Bang Diep, Tran Dai Nghiep

Addresses: Institute for Nuclear Science and Technique, VAEC, P.O. Box 5T-160, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam. ' Institute for Nuclear Science and Technique, VAEC, P.O. Box 5T-160, Hoang Quoc Viet Road, Cau Giay, Hanoi, Vietnam

Abstract: The application of radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA) and atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is expected to aid in understanding and evaluating the effects of environmental pollution on the nutritional status of children already exposed to marginal malnutrition. Samples of placenta, of low-weight and control newborns groups, were collected for determination of nutritional elements and pollutants. The mean ratios of pollutants and nutrients such as Cd/Zn, Hg/Se and Pb/Ca were evaluated for both groups. All these ratios in the placenta of the low-weight newborns are higher than that of the healthy group. The degree of the nutrient-pollutant interaction is evaluated by quantity R, with mercury considered as the most active pollutant while calcium the most active nutrient among the involved elements in process of the interaction.

Keywords: nutrient-pollutant interaction; radiochemical neutron activation analysis; RNAA; atomic absorption spectrometry; AAS; human placenta analysis; malnourished newborns; environmental pollution; nutritional status; mercury; calcium; children; biomonitoring; heavy metals; infants; human health; Vietnam.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNEST.2005.008559

International Journal of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, 2005 Vol.1 No.4, pp.334 - 343

Published online: 30 Dec 2005 *

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