Determination of trace elements in porcine brain by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, and instrumental neutron activation analysis

Methods have been developed for the analyses of trace metals in various are as of porcine brains, (temporal, parietal, frontal cortex, both right and l eft hemispheres). Determinations were carried out using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spe ctrometry (ETAAS). The elements investigated were Li, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, a nd Pb by ICP-MS and Cu, Cd, and Mn by ETAAS. For determination by ICP-MS, a method of standard additions calibration coupled with internal standards w as used, and for ETAAS, standard additions calibrations were prepared. The accuracy of all methods was determined using NIST and IAEA certified refere nce material. A small number of pig brains were analyzed by instrumental neutron activati on analysis for Cr, Co, Cs, Fe, Rb, Se, Sc, Sb, and Zn using the comparator method of analysis. Four separate NIST standard reference materials have b een used to examine the validity of the comparator method.