Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on June 3, 2018 | https://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: December 26, 1991 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1991-0445.pr001
Preface CHEMICAL ELEMENTS AS ESSENTIAL CONSTITUENTS sustain life processes, but they can also be toxic components that hinder normal metabolic events. The study of these roles has generated a large body of analytical data. However, as many of us have now realized, a significant portion of the existing analytical results is of questionable value and in some cases is totally worthless. Fortunately, careful research has identified some of the sources of analytical errors, especially those arising from contamination of the samples and improper use of analytical techniques. Many laboratories have recognized the indispensable role of reference materials as quality markers of analytical results. Through the use of reference materials and good laboratory practices, these laboratories have been trying to improve their analytical performance. These measures, which addressed the problem predominantly at the postsampling stage, offered only a partial remedy to the overall situation. A comprehensive improvement in the quality of the analytical result required recognition of not only the analytical component, but also the biological component (especially presampling factors). A well-planned biological trace element study requires total quality control, including experimental design, collection of valid samples (biological and analytical integrity), chemical analysis, data evaluation, and interpretation. In other words, we need a multidisciplinary approach. Dr. Iyengar has cogently handled this part in Chapter 1 by cautioning, "The lack of a multidisciplinary approach has been the Achilles heel of biological trace element research. Both analysts and life scientists recognize that the key to the development of a reliable data base for the elemental content and speciation of biological systems lies in an interdisciplinary strategy involving: (1) an understanding of the biological basis of the problem, (2) developments in bioanalytical concepts, (3) a controlled-environment approach for metabolic studies, (4) preparation of well-defined protocols, (5) procurement of valid samples, (6) use of appropriate analytical techniques and procedures, and (7) analytical quality assurance. In the symposium upon which this book is based, we sought to address these concerns by bringing together experts from the fields of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, biophysics, biostatistics, medicine, and nutrition. The speakers came from Asia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. Although our intention was to achieve a comprehensive multidisciplinary ,,
Subramanian et al.; Biological Trace Element Research ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1991.
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on June 3, 2018 | https://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: December 26, 1991 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1991-0445.pr001
gathering, we feel that we made only a modest beginning. However, the mix of review papers, original research manuscripts, and reports of new work presented in this book best reflect the current state of the subject. The opportunity to publish such diverse material in a single place is particularly welcome, for much would have been lost if the information presented here had been broken into sections appropriate for specialized journals. The interdisciplinary nature of this book should make it valuable to scientists and clinicians in the areas of analytical chemistry, biochemistry, clinical chemistry, medicine, and nutrition. Much remains to be done. The multidisciplinary approach to solving biological trace element problems is exciting as well as challenging. We hope that the readers will find this book interesting and useful in their many and varied quests involving trace element analytical chemistry of biological systems.
K. S. SUBRAMANIAN Environmental Health Centre Health & Welfare Canada Tunney's Pasture, Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0L2, Canada
G. V. IYENGAR Center for Analytical Chemistry National Institute of Standards and Technology Gaithersburg, M D 20899
K. OKAMOTO National Institute for Environmental Studies Environmental Agency of Japan Onogawa 16-2, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305, Japan
August 29, 1990
xii
Subramanian et al.; Biological Trace Element Research ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1991.
