COMPARISON OF 2 MINERALIZATION METHODS IN THE ANALYSIS OF METAL TRACES IN THE TEETH OF THE POPULATION OF THE SOUTH EAST OF ALICANTE PROVINCE, SPAIN

The aim of this study was to examine one of the factors which can sign ificantly affect the variability of the results of analyses of trace m etals in teeth, such as the tube used in the digestion of the samples. The crowns and roots of a total of 106 permanent teeth, free of filli ngs and prostheses, from healthy adult residents of a rural area, were studied separately. 10 ml and 20 ml tubes were used for digestion, an d in all samples levels of chrome (Cr), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni) and cop per (Cu) were determined by ICP. The mean concentrations (mu g/g) of t he different metals found in the crown (Cr = 0.085, Pb = 0.507, Ni = 0 .089, Cu = 0.085) and root (Cr = 0.091, Pb = 0.974, Ni = 0.100, Cu = 0 .107) were lower than those reported by other authors, and varied acco rding to the tube used. In both crown and root the average concentrati ons of Cr and Pb were higher when the 10 mi tube was used, and the rev erse was true for Ni and Cu. We have shown that, in the teeth studied, the relationships between the different metals also vary according to the type of tube used. In view of these results, we consider it essen tial that normalized analytical protocols should be designed, to allow correct interpretation of results and their comparison between differ ent authors.