Abstract
In the present work, elements concentration in fingernails samples of volunteers of different ages (males, females) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Perkin-Elmer, spectrophotometer. Fingernails samples of different groups were analyzed to determine the trace elements Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Zn and Pb. Standards materials were prepared for concentration assessment that adjacent to samples from two cities in different location in eastern province of Sudan for elements concentrations finding. In addition, samples of hands fingernails and toenails were analyzed for comparison and method validation. Consequently, the significant levels of elements concentration in nails samples of Jabiat residents compared to Port Sudan resident’s area due to soil dispersion are supporting the possibility of external contamination. The data of component matrix and rotated component matrix of varimax normalization using principal component analysis revealed important predictors of nails elements Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations in soil of both areas under study. However, the Pb, Ni, Ca, and Co are possible to be indication of different sources associated with environmental contamination. The significant correlation and principal component analysis of the elements of nails concentrations in the two categories supported the probability of different expose environmental contamination.
Highlights
Since ancient times, the nails growth is used as an indicator of health and physiological imbalances of human
Assessments of elements concentration in nails and standards samples are largely based on instrumental Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy elements identification technique in hands and feet nails used [16]
The results were obtained clearly indicate that nails concentration of heavy metals can be used as an indication of many properties such as heavy metal exposure related to a geographical location and soil, drinking water, type of food and may be some certain diseases [17]
Summary
The nails growth is used as an indicator of health and physiological imbalances of human. The human nail is permeable than skin and the composition consists of 7% - 12% of water, so that it is a solid part in body. Nails after growth is remain isolated from other metabolic activities in the human body, which is considered as a good reflection of long-term exposure (Takagi et al 1988). The nails from various fingers in feet and hands are growth in several weeks of time between formation and clipping and that indicates exposure to elevated concentration contamination integrated over a 2 - 12 month period (Hunter 1990)
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