Neutron Activation Analysis – Main Advancements in Trace Element Detection in Food Samples
Нейтронно-активационный анализ – основные достижения в определении микроэлементов в пищевых продуктах

Additional data

Submitted: 11.11.2025; Accepted: 29.06.2026; Published 13.07.2026;
Views: 37; Downloaded: 9

How to Cite

Inga Zinicovscaia, Dmitrii Grozdov "Neutron Activation Analysis – Main Advancements in Trace Element Detection in Food Samples" Natural Sci. Rev. 3 200801 (2026)
https://doi.org/10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200801
BibTex
Inga Zinicovscaia1,2,a, Dmitrii Grozdov1
  • 1Joint Institute for Nuclear Research, Dubna, Russia
  • 2Department of Nuclear Physics, Horia Hulubei National Institute for R&D in Physics and Nuclear Engineering, Magurele, Romania
  • azinikovskaia@mail.ru
DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.200801
Keywords: neutron activation analysis, trace elements, food, environment
Topics: Earth and Environmental Sciences
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Abstract

As a high-priority issue for sustainable global development, food security requires attention to both the quantity and quality of food. Trace elements pose a complex challenge for food security in this context; they can be beneficial as essential micronutrients or harmful as toxic contaminants that compromise food safety and public health. Consequently, advanced analytical tools, particularly elemental analysis, are employed to verify food quality, authenticity, and traceability. Since its first application in 1936 neutron activation analysis has proven to be a powerful analytical technique for determining the elemental composition of a wide variety of samples. The method's widespread adoption is due to its numerous benefits, including its multi-element character, non-destructive nature, high sensitivity and precision, ultra-low detection limits, and simple sample preparation. These advantages have led to its use in critical fields such as food safety, agriculture, and environmental monitoring. The paper provides an introduction to the biological role and toxicity of trace elements, discusses the fundamental principles, strengths, and limitations of neutron activation analysis, and presents an overview of NAA applications in food analysis, along with a summary of key findings.

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