Biomonitoring of 33 Trace Elements in Blood Samples from Inhabitants of Southern India by ICP-MS

Trace elemental levels have a profound effect on human health. However, only limited information is available on biomonitoring of trace elements in India. But due to rapid industrial development and urbanization, pollution levels have increased and therefore there is a need to monitor trace elemental concentrations in human beings. In this work 33 trace elements (Li, Be, Rb, Sr, Cs, Ba, V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, Cd, Tl, Pb, U, As and Ag) in 98 human blood samples, collected from occupationally non-exposed volunteers, living in Greater Visakhapatnam in southern part of India, were monitored. The samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The samples for analysis were prepared by treating with supra pure nitric acid and digesting in a microwave digester. The method of validation is described for all 33 elements and results about internal and external quality assurance are discussed. The information about the sample donors was collected by questionnaire-based interviews. Statistical data has been presented (mean values, geometric mean values, ranges and selected percentiles) for all elemental concentrations in blood.