Spectometry atomic absorption

Lendinez E, Lopez MC, Cabrera C, et al. 1998. Determination of chromium in wine and other alcoholic beverages consumed in Spain by electrothermal atomic absorption spectometry. J Aoac Int 8(5) 1043-1047. 

The analytical methods used to verify the between-ampoule homogeneity were potentiometry (pH), flame atomic absorption spectometry (Ca, K, Mg and Na), colorimetry (NH4, NO3, PO4 and SO4) and electrothermal AAS (Fe and Mn). No significant differences were observed between the between-ampoules and method variances and the materials were hence considered to be homogeneous [15]. 

Minerals are deposited in hair as it grows and, in theory, the hair reflects the mineral status of an individual at the time of hair growth. Scientific analytical methods, such as atomic absorption spectometry, neutron activation analysis, and x ray fluorescence spectometry, are sensitive enough to detect the levels of minerals in hair samples. Because hair samples are easily and painlessly obtainable, and because hair samples are stable and store easily, there is considerable interest in the use of hair as a diagnostic tool for mineral deficiencies and/or toxicities. However, like many other diagnostic tests, hair analysis is only a tool to complement other tests and observations. It is not a panacea. For the reasons which follow, an individual s nutritional status cannot be assessed solely on the basis of a hair analysis ... 

Venous blood samples (approximately 5 ml) were collected in heparinized tubes and analysed in duplicate by atomic absorption spectometry (Stoeppler ei al, 1978) in Dusseldorf University, Institute of Environmental Hygiene. The mean lead values from the duplicate samples have been used in the statistical analyses. The lead in hair and nails are not as yet determined. 

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