Measuring Mercury in Rat Fat Tissue
Author Information
Author(s): Keith E. Levine, Reshan A. Fernando, M. Lang, Amal Essader, Robert W. Handy, Bradley J. Collins
Primary Institution: Research Triangle Institute
Hypothesis
A method for determining total mercury in rat adipose tissue using cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS) can be developed.
Conclusion
The developed method allows for the accurate determination of ultra-trace levels of mercury in small samples of rat adipose tissue.
Supporting Evidence
- The method detection limit was found to be 2 pg Hg/ml, or 1 ng Hg/g adipose tissue.
- Mercury recovery from a certified reference material was 104% of the certified level.
- The method was validated with a range of mercury concentrations in adipose tissue.
Takeaway
Scientists created a new way to find tiny amounts of mercury in rat fat, which helps understand how mercury affects animals.
Methodology
The method involved lyophilization of adipose samples, microwave digestion with acids, and detection of mercury using CVAFS.
Limitations
The analysis procedure is time-consuming, taking up to five days for a batch of samples.
Participant Demographics
Rat adipose tissue samples were used, pooled from several undosed animals.
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