Proton induced x-ray emission analysis of Pima Indian autopsy tissues

Proton particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) analysis has been used to determine the concentrations of K, Ca, Ti, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Cd, Cs, and Pb in liver, spleen, aorta, kidney medulla, kidney cortex, abdominal fat, pancreas, and hair taken at autopsy from Southwest Indians, primarily of the Pima tribe. Samples were prepared by a low-temperature ashing procedure which is compared to other preparation methods. Data were analyzed by a computer program, ANALEX. The accuracy is tested with NBS standard reference materials and with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometric results. The precision allowed observation of element concentration differences between replicate, half-gram samples of the same tissue. The differences appeared to arise from tissue inhomogeneities. 5 figures, 4 tables.