Abstract

This ASU reviews publications that appeared in the twelve months up to the end of October 2001. Analytically, there were few new developments. Indeed, some of the innovations that we have highlighted in the last couple of Updates, such as capillary electrophoresis and movable reduction bed hydride generation, were less evident during this period. In contrast, work to validate the use of XRF for measuring lead in bone in vivo is moving forward although it is only a few centres that have the capability to carry out this very specialised application. In addition, a non-invasive XRF method of determining skin Fe concentrations to assess liver Fe concentrations in haemochromatosis and β-thalassaemia was presented. Interesting developments in low-cost techniques for dissolution of samples and preconcentration using flow injection are again evident. It appears that, perhaps as more laboratories replace AAS by ICP-MS, the latter technique is being used for work where just one or two analytes were reported. A number of examples were seen of problems in the clinical trace element field relating to the use of newer materials, and techniques in medicine and surgery appeared. Materials for prostheses were highlighted along with the use of relatively high concentrations of some unusual compounds for body organ imaging techniques and radiation therapy. Further applications of techniques for As speciation are featured within the clinical and foods/beverages sections. The most important development was the demonstration of methylated species containing As^III, the significance of which is likely to become apparent in the near future. For the first time reports were seen of investigations involving organically produced foods and it will be of interest to see whether this continues. The writing team was strengthened with the inclusion of an experienced Italian colleague, Dr. Marina Patriarca, who helped with the preparation of the section on clinical and biological materials.