Biomonitoring of 37 Trace Elements in Human Blood and Plasma From Inhabitants of Northern Germany By ICP-MS

Abstract

P-145 Abstract: The trace elements Ag, As, Au, B, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Ce, Co, Cs, Cu, Ga, Hf, Hg, In, La, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Pd, Rb, Rh, Ru, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Th, Tl, U, V, W, Y and Zr were determined in 130 human blood and plasma samples from occupationally non-exposed volunteers living in the greater area of Bremen in northern Germany. Information on exposure conditions of all human subjects were collected by questionnaire-based interviews, including smoking habits, seafood consumption and the type of dental alloys in the teeth. Statistical data (geometric mean values, selected percentiles, etc.) about the trace element concentrations are provided, intended to serve clinical chemists, toxicologists and epidemiologists planning and conducting research about exposition to metals or trace element deficiencies. The blood and plasma samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with an octopole based collision/reaction cell. Relevant spectral interferences could be avoided by addition of a few mL/min of helium or hydrogen to the cell. Prior to introduction into the ICP the samples were diluted 1/10 (V/V) with a 0.1% Triton-X-100 and 0.5% (V/V) ammonia solution. For internal quality assurance we have analysed control materials from several suppliers in different concentration levels. External quality assurance was performed by participation in 3 national and international quality assessment schemes. The limits of quantification (LOQ) calculated to the undiluted blood range from 0.003 μg/L for U to 0.1 μg/L for Ga. The geometric mean concentrations of the 37 elements in blood range from the LOQs in the lower ng/L—range up to 2369 μg/L for Rb. Essential trace element concentrations in blood are in a small range for Mn (4.8–18 μg/L), Cu (720–1800 μg/L) and Se (85–182 μg/L). Other essential trace elements concentration ranges are 12–195 μg/L for B, 0.04–0.8 μg/L for Co and 0.06–4 μg/L for Mo. Geometric mean concentrations of some toxic elements, such as Pb, Cd and Hg in blood are 19, 0,4 and 0,8 μg/L, respectively. For other toxic elements (Be, Th, U) or elements without a known biological function (Hf, Ce, La, Te, Ga) many of the concentrations in the real samples are below the LOQs. Differences between blood and plasma concentration levels of trace elements are also discussed.