Element Analysis Of Biological Samples

Despite the development of innovative new analytical techniques for biological trace element research, today's trace element investigators face formidable obstacles to obtaining reliable data. This complete reference identifies and assesses the challenges the analyst encounters at each stage of an analysis, and discusses the effects of various techniques on the sample. Three internationally recognized scientists and authors consider the effects of the numerous collection, storage, and sample preparatory techniques used in sample analysis. Proper analytical quality control, including such critical factors as sampling and sample preparation, specimen preservation and storage, and ashing, is examined. The book also looks at sample preparation methods unique to various instruments and speciation chemistry issues, and examines the link between chemical analysis and specimen banking. A previously unrecognized source of error, presampling factors, is also discussed.

Despite the development of innovative new analytical techniques for biological trace element research, today's trace element investigators face formidable obstacles to obtaining reliable data. This complete reference identifies and assesses the challenges the analyst encounters at each stage of an analysis, and discusses the effects of various techniques on the sample. Three internationally recognized scientists and authors consider the effects of the numerous collection, storage, and sample preparatory techniques used in sample analysis. Proper analytical quality control, including such critical factors as sampling and sample preparation, specimen preservation and storage, and ashing, is examined. The book also looks at sample preparation methods unique to various instruments and speciation chemistry issues, and examines the link between chemical analysis and specimen banking. A previously unrecognized source of error, presampling factors, is also discussed.

The major theme of this book is analytical approaches to trace metal and speciation analysis in biological specimens. The emphasis is on the reliable determination of a number of toxicologically and environmentally important metals. It is essentially a handbook based on the practical experience of each individual author. The scope ranges from sampling and sample preparation to the application of various modern and well-documented methods, including quality assessment and control and statistical treatment of data. Practical advice on avoiding sample contamination is included. In the first part, the reader is offered an introduction into the basic principles and methods, starting with sampling, sample storage and sample treatment, with the emphasis on sample decomposition. This is followed by a description of the potential of atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry, voltammetry, neutron activation analysis, isotope dilution analysis, and the possibilities for metal speciation in biological specimens. Quality control and all approaches to achieve reliable data are treated in chapters about interlaboratory and intralaboratory surveys and reference methods, reference materials and statistics and data evaluation. The chapters of the second part provide detailed information on the analysis of thirteen trace metals in the most important biological specimens. The following metals are treated in great detail: Aluminium, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, manganese, nickel, mercury, thallium, vanadium and zinc. The book will serve as a valuable aid for practical analysis in biomedical laboratories and for researchers involved with trace metal and species analysis in clinical, biochemical and environmental research.

The purpose of this volume is to emphasize the fact that biological trace element research is a multidisciplinary science which requires a prudent combination of biological insight and analytical awareness. The text frequently stresses that accurate measurements on biologically and analytically "valid" samples hold the key for success in future investigations. It reminds the analytical scientists and the life sciences researchers that their perceptions should extend beyond conventional limits - namely, the former as generators of data and the latter as interpreters of those findings. This book enables the reader to understand the intricacies of elemental composition studies in biological systems, and also provides a valuable source of information to biologists, biochemists, physicians, nutritionists and related scientific workers who intend to draw meaningful conclusions from the analytical findings.

Highly accurate chemical speciation is of great importance in environmental, clinical, and food sciences, as well as in archaeometry. Trace analysis via atomic spectrometry, mass spectroscopy, gas chromatography, electron microprobing, or X-ray absorption spectroscopy provides detailed information on surface and sub-surface domain of samples. The book comprehensively presents modern techniques, timely application, and data modeling.

ICP-MS and Trace Element Analysis as Tools for Better Understanding Medical Conditions, Volume 97 discusses trace elements and how they play an important role in biological functions and metabolism in the human body. Chapters cover Biomedical analysis by ICP-MS: A focus on single cell, Advanced statistical tools and machine learning applied to trace element analysis associated with medical conditions, ICP-MS as a tool to understand trace element homeostasis in neurological disorders, High-precision isotopic analysis of essential mineral elements – possibilities for medical diagnosis and prognosis, Exploring ICP-MS as a versatile technique: From imaging to chemical speciation, and more. Discusses the latest diagnosis/pathologies using ICP-MS analysis Covers metals, isotopes and metalorganic species for medical conditions Includes ICP-MS-based techniques

The understanding of the functions of trace elements in metabolism, whether associated with microorganisms, plants or animals, has advanced considerably during the last twenty years. There are two main aspects of the importance of trace elements in biological materials: first, their toxic effects and secondly, the essential nature of some of the elements for normal growth and health. Research in trace elements and their essential role in biological processes has advanced through several stages, necessitating more and more effective methods of determination. Despite the marked improvements in methods of trace analysis during these twenty years, the ever increasing need for higher sensitivity to meet new demands has meant the greater need, not only for improving the limits of detection, but also for new standard reference materials, better sampling, better sample handling and better design of trace and ultra-trace analysis laboratories. This book focusses on all areas of trace element determination with detailed discussion on all major methods of analysis. Additionally, the determination of concentrations of major toxic and essential trace elements is discussed at length.