Determination of Labile and Structurally Bound Trace Elements of Bone Tissue by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

A method of chemical separation of the components of bone tissue, based on their selective solubility, with the subsequent determination of trace elements by atomic absorption spectrometry, is proposed. The total concentrations of Mg, Zn, Fe, Sr, Cu, Mn, and Pb, and the concentrations of these elements in solutions with pH 6.5, 10, and 12 after their interaction with the bone preparation were determined. The obtained concentrations of the soluble fractions of trace elements are critically analyzed taking into account the possible reactions of formation and precipitation in alkaline solutions of new insoluble phases. Based on the obtained data, the ability of elements to form mobile fractions in the composition of bone tissue can be represented as follows: Mg > Zn Fe > Sr > Cu. At the same time, noncrystalline Mg is predominantly localized in water or biological liquids of the bone, and noncrystalline Zn in the alkali-soluble organic component of the bone. Pb and Mn are practically not detected in solutions, i.e., localized in the crystalline phase.