Lead determinations in human bone by particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS)

Abstract

Chronic lead (Pb) intoxication has been linked to Alzheimer's disease (AD). Lead, like many heavy elements, tends to accumulate in bone. PIXE is a powerful analytical tool which permits the determination of Pb at the μg/g level without requiring sample digestion. GFAAS is one of the most sensitive methods for the determination of Pb and is capable of determining ng/g levels in solution. For bone analyses by GFAAS, sample dissolution and a matrix modifier are required. Rib bone samples were analyzed for Pb by PIXE and GFAAS. IAEA Animal Bone (H-5) was used as a secondary standard for Pb with both methods to ensure accuracy. The range of Pb concentrations in human rib bone was 1.4–11.5 μg/g for the trabecular surface by PIXE, 1.3–45 μg/g for the cortical surface by PIXE, and 1.54–11.75 μg/g for whole bone by GFAAS. No significant difference (p>0.05) was found for AD versus control for either surface or for whole bone.