The validation of a method for the determination of total chromium in Fischer-344 rat feces by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry following a rapid, atmospheric-pressure microwave digestion is described. The performance of the method was evaluated over the concentration range of 5.00 to 200 μg Cr/g feces. Data for method linearity, accuracy, precision, digest stability, and storage stability are presented along with limit of detection and limit of quantitation data. Data from a cross-validation method for B6C3F1 mouse feces are also presented. Following validation, the method was applied to analyze samples collected in support of two chronic toxicological investigations.

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A rugged, sensitive, semi-automated method for the determination of trace-level mercury in small rat brain tissue samples by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry (CVAFS) is described. Small tissue aliquots (100 mg) are digested for 6-8 h at an elevated temperature in a mixture of nitric and sulfuric acids. Following digestion, samples are oxidized with potassium bromate/bromide at room temperature and treated with ANALYTICAL LETTERS a continuous flow of stannous chloride to generate mercury vapor. The experimentally determined method quantitation limit (MQL) in the rat brain matrix is 10 pg Hg/mL, which corresponds to 1.5 ng Hg/g brain tissue. Replicate matrix spike preparations (n ¼ 4) at this level were determined with a high level of accuracy (89.8%) and precision (6.9% RSD). Replicates (n ¼ 36) of a certified reference material (DOLT-2, trace metals in dogfish liver) were prepared and analyzed over a four year period in order to assess the ruggedness and accuracy of the method. The average recovery for mercury in this material was 99.9% of the certified level.

A method for the determination of total mercury in rat adipose

Protecting all people from the harmful effects of environmental exposures relies on the coordinated efforts of scientific researchers, regulatory agencies, legislators, and the public. Environmental justice addresses the disproportionate impact that harmful environmental exposures have on individuals and communities who are minoritized and marginalized. It has long been known that environmental problems disproportionately impact these groups; however, addressing these problems has been impeded by structural racism and other biases. Developing effective interventions to eliminate these disparities requires a more diverse and inclusive modern workforce produced by a bottom-up approach beginning with education and professional development of the next generation of researchers. The most effective approaches to addressing inequities rely on active input from impacted populations to ensure cultural and social acceptance and adoption of interventions. Credibly pursuing these efforts in a sustainable, inclusive manner will require a concerted shift in workforce demography. One potential strategy to address these workforce disparities features academic-industry partnerships with targeted professional development programs aimed at minoritized and underserved populations.