New horizons for x-ray fluorescence in trace element detection

铅和砷是日常生活中常见的有毒元素。长期接触这些元素，即使是中等水平，也可能造成严重的健康影响。这项研究的目的是开发新的X射线荧光（XRF）技术来检测铅和砷，并揭示这些元素在体内的分布。具体而言，目标包括在以下相互关联的研究主题中使用X射线荧光：（1）开发一种变革性的新型微型X射线管X射线荧光方法，以评估环境水平上的微量元素暴露;（2）使用一种新的同步辐射微探针，以发现人体皮肤中砷的性质;以及（3）使用世界上最高精度的骨电极导线系统，以更好地理解电极导线动力学的关键问题。

Lead and arsenic are toxic elements which are encountered in daily life. Serious health effects may result from chronic exposure to even moderate levels of these elements. The objectives of the proposed research relate to the development of novel x-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques to detect lead and arsenic, and to uncover how these elements distribute in the body. Specifically, the objectives include the use of XRF in the following interrelated themes of research: (1) the development of a transformative new miniature x-ray tube XRF approach to assess exposure to trace elements at environmental levels; (2) the use of a new synchrotron radiation microprobe to discover the nature of arsenic in human skin; and (3) the use of the highest precision bone lead system in the world to better understand the critical issue of lead kinetics.