PNNL

Abstract

To support the development and implementation of biological monitoring programs, accurate and quantitative technologies for measuring xenobiotic exposure are needed. Micro-analytical based sensors that work with complex biomatrices such as blood, urine or saliva are being developed and validated. These sensor platforms will improve our ability to make definitive associations between chemical exposures and disease. Among toxic heavy metals, lead (Pb) continues to be one of the most problematic. Despite a considerable effort to identify and eliminate Pb exposure sources, this metal still remains a significant health concern, particularly for young children. Ongoing research is focused on the development and validation of portable metal analyzers that have many advantages over current available technologies, thus having the potential to become the next-generation of toxic metal analyzers. This review will highlight the development and validation of two classes of metal analyzers for the voltammetric detection of Pb, this includes: (1) a metal analyzer based on flow injection analysis and anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) at a Hg-film electrode, and (2) mercury-free metal analyzers employing adsorptive stripping voltammetry (AdSV) and novel nanostructure materials which include the self-assembled monolayers on mesoporous supports (SAMMS) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These sensors have been optimized to detect Pb in urine, blood, and saliva as accurately as the state-of-the-art-ICP-MS with high reproducibility, and sensitivity, while being much more portable, field-deployable and less expensive than conventional analytical methods. It is anticipated that these improved and portable analytical sensor platforms will facilitate our ability to conduct a meaningful biological monitoring program that will enable us to have a greater understanding of the relationship between chemical exposure assessment and disease outcomes.