Quantitative trace element analysis of human nails with external beam PIXE.

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Human Physiology
• Biomedical Science

Background:

• Human nails serve as a potential matrix for biomonitoring trace elements.
• Previous methods for nail analysis often require extensive sample pretreatment.
• Accurate quantification of trace elements in nails can offer insights into human health and exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the suitability of external beam Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) for analyzing trace elements in human nails.
• To develop and validate a method for obtaining absolute concentration values of elements in nail samples.
• To assess intra- and interindividual variations in trace element concentrations in human nails.

Main Methods:

• External beam PIXE analysis using a 2.4 MeV proton beam.
• Washing as the sole pretreatment for human nail samples.
• Development of a novel standardization method for accurate quantification.
• Analysis of elements including Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, and Pb.

Main Results:

• PIXE analysis is suitable for trace element determination in washed human nail samples.
• A new, accurate method for nail sample standardization was successfully developed.
• Concentration values for ten key elements were determined.
• Intra- and interindividual variations, as well as short-term changes, were assessed.

Conclusions:

• External beam PIXE is a viable technique for the non-destructive analysis of trace elements in human nails.
• The developed standardization method enables accurate absolute quantification.
• Nail analysis using PIXE offers a valuable tool for biomonitoring and comparative studies with hair analysis.