Synchrotron radiation and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence applications on elemental distribution in human hair and bones

M. L. Carvalho, A. F. Marques, J. Brito

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This work is an application of synchrotron microprobe X- Ray fluorescence in order to study elemental distribution along human hair samples of contemporary citizens. Furthermore, X- Ray fluorescence spectrometry is also used to analyse human bones of different historical periods: Neolithic and contemporary subjects. The elemental content in the bones allowed us to conclude about environmental contamination, dietary habits and health status influence in the corresponding citizens. All samples were collected post-mortem. Quantitative analysis was performed for Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr and Pb. Mn and Fe concentration were much higher in bones from pre-historic periods. On the contrary, Pb bone concentrations of contemporary subjects are much higher than in prehistorical ones, reaching 100 μg g-1, in some cases. Very low concentrations for Co, Ni, Br and Rb were found in all the analysed samples. Cu concentrations, allows to distinguish Chalcolithic bones from the Neolithic ones. The distribution of trace elements along human hair was studied for Pb and the obtained pattern was consistent with the theoretical model, based on the diffusion of this element from the root and along the hair. Therefore, the higher concentrations in hair for Pb of contemporary individuals were also observed in the bones of citizens of the same sampling sites. All samples were analysed directly without any chemical treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationX-Ray and Inner-Shell Processes
EditorsAntonio Bianconi, Augusto Marcelli, Naurang L. Saini
PublisherAmerican Institute of Physics Inc.
Pages522-528
Number of pages7
ISBN (Electronic)073540111X
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 24 Jan 2003
Externally publishedYes
Event19th International Conference on X-Ray and Inner-Shell Processes - Rome, Italy
Duration: 24 Jun 200228 Jun 2002

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume652
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Conference

Conference19th International Conference on X-Ray and Inner-Shell Processes
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityRome
Period24/06/0228/06/02

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