An Inexpensive Combustion Apparatus for Preparation of Radioactive Samples

Abstract

The combustion apparatus described provides a rapid and inexpensive alternative for measurement of radioisotopes in plant parts. The apparatus utilized a nickel-chromium resistance wire connected to a low-voltage transformer to generate the heat required to ignite the plant tissue. The nickel-chromium wire also served as the sample holder. Combustion was performed in an O 2 -flushed liquid scintillation vial, and the combustion gases containing either 14 CO 2 or 3 H 2 O were trapped in situ, scintillant was added, and the vials assayed for radioactivity. The percentage of the radioactivity recovered after combustion was 96.0 for 14 C and 93.4 for 3 H with standard deviations of 6.8 and 3.0%, respectively.