Optimization of Trace Molybdenum Content Determination in Human Nails by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The accurate determination of molybdenum (Mo) in biological materials is of considerable importance in medical science because of the essential role played by this element in human metabolism. Molybdenum is a component of enzymes responsible for the initial stages of nitrogen, carbon and sulfur metabolism of plants, animals and humans. This element is usually determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA) in variety of samples, but direct measurement of low levels of molybdenum in biological samples by NAA is difficult. Recently instrumental analysis procedures such as atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) have been used in clinical measurements for determination of many trace elements in the biological samples. These techniques are much simpler and cheaper than NAA. In this paper we are reporting a method of sample preparation for determining molybdenum by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). This method is the most readily available technique for determination of molybdenum at the ng/g level in biological samples. It can be used for the routine hospital laboratory determination of molybdenum and has appropriate sensitivity and simplicity. The best and reliable results for molybdenum analysis was achieved by digestion of nails in HNO3 2N and was determined in the range from 0.11 to 5.10 μg/g.