Sensitivity and Specificity of Various Techniques for the Trace Elemental Analysis on Teeth: A Critical Review

Abstract

Trace elements play an important and complex role in the human metabolism and, although present in only minute concentrations, can be either beneficial or detrimental to health. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the trace elements from human teeth are performed using various methods. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (or mass spectroscopy) (ICP-AES, MS) are the most popular methods for trace element analysis Previous studies have set the framework for developing methods aimed at elemental analysis from bones and teeth but there are areas in which the field still needs to progress. Research must be undertaken to expand the techniques to include more precision, non-destructiveness and accuracy and high detection limit, including additional human bones and teeth, non-human bones and teeth, non-skeletal materials, and to trace present and past life behaviours like migration pattern, nutrition status and occupational or environmental exposure, human provenance and reconstruction of migration pathways as well substance abuse in human skeletal remains and in living beings.