NAA Algerian Laboratory Evaluation Processed by WEPAL and IAEA during 2011-2012

Participation in inter-comparison programs is an important process to enhance the accuracy and precision of the analytical techniques used in the laboratories. At Es-Salam Research Reactor, our laboratory uses two functional analytical techniques such as INAA and k0-INAA in the research projects and for the completion of the service works. Recently, our laboratory has participated in two inter-comparison tests organized by IAEA within the framework of the AFRA project to assess the analytical performance of eighteen (18) African analytical laboratories participating in the RAF/4/ 022 project, Enhancement of Research Reactor Utilization and Safety by taking part in analytical proficiency testing IAEA in conjunction with WEPAL, the Wageningen Evaluating Programs for Analytical Laboratories. The Proficiency Testing tests related to the determination of major, minor and trace elements in materials of the International Soil and Plant Analytical Exchange (Wepal codes ISE, IPE), were held in the fourth quarter of 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, respectively. Concentrations of thirty (30) elements such as Al, As, Ba, Br, Ca, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Fe, Ga, K, La, Mg, Mo, Mn, Na, Nd, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Th, Ti, U, V, W, Zn, Zr were determined in ISE and IPE samples. All results were evaluated and reported in this paper.

Seasonal variation of selected trace elements in rare endemic species Thuriferous Juniper growing in the Aurès Mountains of Algeria

We used energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence（EDXRF） to determine the seasonal variation of selected trace elements（Cr, Mn, Zn, Cu, Se and Fe） and some potential toxic elements（Cd, Pb and Br） in Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana Maire（Cupressaceae） a rare medicinal tree, growing indigenously in Aures Mountains of Algeria. The precision of the results was assessed by analyzing the certified reference material IPE44（WEPAL）grass leaves. Results showed J. thurifera was characterized by high Cr and Mn contents. During autumn and winter mineral concentrations were higher in general. The levels of Cr, Se and Mn were higher during autumn and winter than during spring and summer. Zn contents were higher during summer than in other seasons. Cu content did not vary by season. The potential toxic elements in J. thurifera（Pb [ Cd [ Br） were below the permissible limits recommended by the Joint WHO/FAO guidelines except for Pb in autumn and winter.