Study of the distribution of actinides in human tissues using synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

• Published in: Analytical and bioanalytical chemistry 2015-02, Vol.407 (6), p.1559-1566
• Main Authors: Vergucht, Eva, De Samber, Björn, Izmer, Andrei, Vekemans, Bart, Appel, Karen, Tolmachev, Sergei, Vincze, Laszlo, Vanhaecke, Frank
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Actinide elements; Actinides; Actinoid Series Elements - pharmacokinetics; Analytical Chemistry; Biochemistry; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chelation therapy; Chemical properties; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Electrons; Fluorescence spectroscopy; Food Science; Hot spots; Human tissues; Humans; Identification and classification; Laboratory Medicine; Lymph Nodes - metabolism; Lymphatic system; Medical equipment; Methods; Monitoring/Environmental Analysis; Nuclear fuels; Nuclear power plants; Nuclear weapons; Occupational Exposure; Oxidation; Physiological aspects; Plutonium; Radiation; Research Paper; Scientific imaging; Spectrometry; Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission - methods; Spectroscopy; Synchrotron radiation; Synchrotrons; Tissue Distribution; Tissues; Uranium; X-ray fluorescence; X-ray spectroscopy
• ISSN: 1618-2642; 1618-2650
• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-014-8421-4

This study aims at evaluating the capabilities of synchrotron radiation micro X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (SR micro-XRF) for qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental mapping of the distribution of actinides in human tissues originating from individuals with documented occupational exposure. The investigated lymph node tissues were provided by the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries (USTUR) and were analyzed following appropriate sample pre-treatment. Semi-quantitative results were obtained via calibration by external standards and demonstrated that the uranium concentration level in the detected actinide hot spots reaches more than 100 μg/g. For the plutonium hot spots, concentration levels up to 31 μg/g were found. As illustrated by this case study on these unique samples, SR micro-XRF has a high potential for this type of elemental bio-imaging owing to its high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and non-destructive character. ᅟ Graphical Abstract SR micro-XRF study of the distribution of actinitides in human tissues. Left Location of the U-contaminated tissue sample in the human body. Middle U distribution derived from the high resolution SR micro-XRF scan on the tissue sample, indication of five U hot spots. Right Detail of the point measurement spectrum of U hot spot 3, intense U-L α fluorescence peak located at 13.6 keV.