Boron in coral skeletons determined by prompt γ-ray analysis

A systematic and non-destructive technique is proposed for the determination of boron in coral samples by neutron-induced prompt γ-ray analysis (PGA) using a thermal neutron guide beam of the JRR-3M reactor. About 50–150 mg samples in sealed FEP film were irradiated and measured for 5000 s in the PGA system at a neutron flux of 2.4 × 107 n cm−2 s−1. In order to determine B content in coral skeletons, the Doppler-broadened γ-ray peak of 478 keV (10B) was used together with the correction of interference from the Na-peak of 472 keV. The analytical precision was ~3% for the JCp-1 coral standard. The data (n = 56) obtained by the present method showed a range of B content from 40.7 to 76.9 ppm which is similar to reported values. Boron in corals showed the highest levels in Rukan-sho (Okinawa) with an average B content of 62.5 ppm, whereas corals collected from Mizugama (Okinawa), Cebu (the Philippines) and Khang Khao (Thailand) exhibited B contents of 56.5, 53.0 and 45.7 ppm, respectively. The uptake of boron by living corals may be influenced by seawater pH related to higher seawater B(OH)4−. In this paper we discuss factors controlling the B levels in corals.