Activation analysis of trace elements in lipids with emphasis on marine oils

Abstract A short introduction to the activation analyses is given where some of the main features of the method, especially when applied on biological material, are described. The following trace elements are analyzed in marine and vegetable oils: arsenic, bromine, sodium, copper, manganese, zinc, nickel and iron. Both arsenic and bromine are present as organic compounds. The arsenic is removed in the alkali refining process. The distribution of trace elements in oils has been studied by use of autoradiography and γ‐spectroscopy. The results indicate that this distribution is dependent on the phospholipid content in the oil. A high phospholipid content seems to give a more homogeneous distribution of inorganic trace elements.