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Profile of selenium in soil and crops in seleniferous area of Punjab, India by neutron activation analysis

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Abstract

In the Nawanshahr–Hoshiarpur region of Punjab, India, more than 1000 hectares of agricultural land is significantly affected by high levels of selenium (Se). Studies were carried out to examine Se levels in soil and crops such as wheat grains, wheat husk, rice, maize and mustard using neutron activation analysis. The Se concentrations in soil and crop products were found to be ranging from 2.7 to 6.5 mg kg−1 and 13 to 670 mg kg−1, respectively, indicating significantly high selenium in these crop products. Two reference materials were analysed for Se contents by INAA as controls.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge the funding obtained under Collaborative Research Scheme of UGC-DAE Consortium of Scientific Research Mumbai, and BRNS, DAE, India to carry out this study. Authors thank Dr. V.K. Manchanda, Head, Radiochemistry Division, BARC for his support and encouragement. Authors also thank reactor operation crew, Mr. K.C. Jagadesan, RPhD and Mr. T.N. Nathaniel, RCD, BARC for their help.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Thapar University, Thapar Technology Campus, P.O. Box 32, Patiala, 147004, India

    N. Sharma, R. Prakash & N. T. Prakash

  2. Department of Chemistry, Panjab University, Sector 14, Chandigarh, 160014, India

    A. Srivastava

  3. Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, 141004, India

    U. S. Sadana

  4. Radiochemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Trombay, Mumbai, 400085, India

    R. Acharya & A. V. R. Reddy

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  1. N. Sharma
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  2. R. Prakash
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  3. A. Srivastava
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  6. N. T. Prakash
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Correspondence to N. T. Prakash.

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Sharma, N., Prakash, R., Srivastava, A. et al. Profile of selenium in soil and crops in seleniferous area of Punjab, India by neutron activation analysis. J Radioanal Nucl Chem 281, 59–62 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0082-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10967-009-0082-y

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