Determination of phosphorus by instrumental neutron activation and bremsstrahlung measurement in bone samples

A non destructive method based on the31P(n,γ)32P reaction for the assay of phosphorus in bone samples is described. This method involves a thermal neutron irradiation of 2 minutes in a reactor followed by the measurement of the bremsstrahlung produced by the β− of32P in a Ge-detector surrounded by an anti-Compton shield. Accuracy and precision were tested by analysing the certified NIST 1486 Bone Meal reference material and tri-calcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2) samples. The value obtained for the reference material was in good agreement with the certified value and with relative standard deviation of 4.1% the precision was acceptable. The value obtained for Ca3(PO4)2 shows a deviation of −6% from the expected value, reflecting the effect of the sample density in bremsstrahlung measurement.