DETERMINATION OF CADMIUM IN WATER SAMPLES BY COPRECIPITATION AND NEUTRON-ACTIVATION ANALYSIS

For the determination of cadmium in sea water, a neutron activation analysis method involving a preconcentration step has been developed. Preconcentration is achieved by co-precipitation of cadmium dibenzyldithiocarbamale with phenolphthalein. The precipitate is collected on 0.45 mum membrane filters and cadmium is determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. A Cd-115m radio tracer was used to establish optimum conditions and to evaluate the chemical yield.