Improved determination of manganese in hair by use of a mini-autoclave and flameless atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman background correction: an evaluation in unexposed subjects.
Motivated by the relatively wide range of values published hitherto, we offer a new, reliable method for determination of manganese in hair from unexposed human subjects. By using a mini-autoclave, we have developed a method that obviates loss of manganese during digestion and, thanks to use of a Teflon receptacle and rigorous methodology, contamination has been minimized. We used Zeeman flameless atomic absorption spectrometry, with the method of standard additions, for quantification. Within-run CVs for concentrations of Mn of 0.26 and 0.28 microgram/g of dry hair were 3.63 and 3.93%; the day-to-day CV for a Mn concentration of 0.29 microgram/g of dry hair was 5.84%. Mean (+/- SD) analytical recovery of Mn added to samples of hair was 104% (+/- 9.2%). The mean concentration of Mn found in the hair of 15 healthy unexposed subjects was 0.26 (+/- 0.05) microgram/g dry weight. This sensitive, reproducible procedure is suitable for use in analysis for traces of Mn in hair.
D000328:Adult; D004781:Environmental Exposure; D006197:Hair / Q000032:analysis*; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008297:Male; D008345:Manganese / Q000032:analysis*; D008832:Microchemistry; D008875:Middle Aged; D013048:Specimen Handling; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008345:Manganese