Determination of strontium in human tooth enamel by flameless atomic-absorption spectrometry.
The determination of strontium in human tooth enamel by flameless atomic-absorption spectrometry was found to be subject to interference from the calcium/phosphate matrix of the enamel. The standard addition method was used to compensate for this interference. Hydrochloric acid and nitric acid did not affect the strontium absorption, but perchloric acid caused a significant reduction in the absorption. The sensitivity of the flameless atomic-absorption enabled 1-mg samples of enamel to be analysed. Hence, the proposed method can be used to determine the distribution of strontium through the tooth. An average recovery of 100.4% for amounts of strontium added to enamel showed that the proposed method was reliable.
Helsby
C A
CA
Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Manchester, Manchester, England.