APPLICATION OF EDXRF TO THE DETERMINATION OF LEAD AND OTHER TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE BODY FLUIDS OF INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN VIETNAM

摘要

Using energy-dispersive x-ray fluorescence analysis, the levels of Pb, K, Ca, Fe, Cu, Zn, Br, Rb, Sr and As were determined in the urine of 937 workers exposed to high levels of Pb intake in six different working situations. Of all the trace elements, Pb was observed to increase the most when comparing the urine samples of the workers in the examined group and the 50 in the control group. The concentrations of Pb and other trace elements were also determined in the blood of the workers in a battery plant (which contains the highest Pb concentrations in the indoor air) and at petrol stations (which contain the lowest Pb level in the indoor air of the exposed group). The maximum increase in trace elements in the blood samples of the workers compared with the control group was observed for Pb but also for Rb, As and Br, The concentrations of K, Fe, Cu and Zn were decreased in all of them. The levels of Pb in the urine and in the blood were compared with those of other elements, e.g. Cu, Zn and Fe. The concentrations of Pb and other trace elements were also studied in the immediate surroundings of six different industrial sectors, e.g. in air, soil and spinach, A positive correlation was obtained between the content of Pb and other trace elements in the urine of exposed workers and the environmental samples, A comparison between Pb-eliminating medicine ethambutol, calcium disodium edetate (calcium EDTA) and multi-vitamins for Pb-exposed workers showed a reduction in the levels of Pb in the blood and in the urine of the workers. A sample preparation method suitable for the EDXRF analysis of blood, spinach, soil and urine is described. [References: 37]