Effects of deep saturation diving on urine volume and trace elements in the urine of the divers

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of deep saturation diving on urine volume and trace elements in the urine of the divers, so as to provide theoretical evidence for medical support of deep saturation diving operations and health promotion of divers. Methods Four male healthy divers participated in the 480 msw simulated saturation dive. Twenty-four- hour urine samples were collected the day before entrance into the chamber, during their stay daily in the chamber, and the day after they came out of the chamber. The contents of Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn in the urine samples were determinated with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and the data obtained were analyzed with LSD variance analysis. Results Urine volumes of the divers at days 4, 7, 8, 10, 17 and 18 in the chamber were significantly higher than those of both day 1 before enterance into the chamber and the day after surfacing out of the chamber. The urine volume at day 15 in the chamber was significantly higher than that of 1 day before enterance into the chamber. In the 24 h urine samples, the excretion of Ba reached peak at days 10 and 11, and urine volumes at days 16, 18, 19 were significantly lower than those at days 1–11. The excretions of Cr and Co at days 16, 18 and 19 were significantly lower than those at days 1–11. The peak excretions of Fe and Mn all appeared at days 10 and 11, and the peak excretion of Pb was at days 8 and 10. However, the peak excretion of Sr was relatively stable, reaching the peak at day 12. The peak excretion of Zn was at day 8, then decreased gradually and finally reached the bottom at day 19. The peak excretion of Cu at day 10 increased sharply, then decreased gradually and reached bottom at day 19. Conclusions Deep saturation diving exerted certain effects on the urine volume and the metabolism of trace elements in urine in divers. Further research efforts should be made in this respect, so as to provide better medical support and promote the health of divers in special diving operations. Key words: Saturation diving; Urinary volume; Trace element