Keratin tissues, including hair, nails, horns, hooves, and feathers, are widely used in environmental exposure assessments due to their ability to incorporate trace elements from the bloodstream and retain contents over time. However, biological unknowns and analytical challenges hinder the reliability of analyses with this matrix. Using horns from lead-dosed goats as a model tissue, this work aims to improve understanding of trace element uptake into keratin tissues. Complementary results from ICP-MS/MS and Synchrotron Radiation micro-XRF (SR-µXRF) analyses will be presented. Spatial imaging of horn cross sections by SR-µXRF revealed discrete accumulations of Pb corresponding to dose years. This is the first report known to the authors that characterizes a relationship between Pb ingestion exposure and Pb spatial distribution in a keratin tissue. Further analysis by LA-ICP-MS is planned. Multiple elements including Pb were measured in horn samples by ICP-MS/MS, showing a general trend among goat horns of increasing Pb concentration with increasing dose.  Matrix effects and other specific challenges in solution-based ICP-MS multielement analysis of keratin tissues were explored. <br/>

Trace element uptake in keratin tissues: An analysis of horns from lead-dosed goats using ICP-MS/MS and spatial imaging techniques

254th National Meeting (2017)

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