Trace Elements In Human Hair Research Articles

Estimation of Some Major and Trace Elements in Human Hair in the Vicinity of Ashaka Cement Factory, Gombe State, Nigeria

This study aimed to estimate some major and trace elements in human hair samples obtained from humans living in the vicinity of Ashaka Cement Factory, Gombe State to identify the proportion of some major and trace elements in human hair samples. The samples collected from humans were kept in air-tight polyethene bags immediately. Then, they were washed with detergent to remove external dust and socked in distilled water for 10 minutes and transferred it into Acetone to remove stubborn dirt. The samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after several processes of determination and the graphical solution was plotted using MATLAB software package 2018a. The result of the analysis shows that 0.0091 ± 0.184, 0.169 ± 0.15, 0.16 ± 0.0102, 0.0014 ± 0.0025 mg/kg for Ca, Fe, Mg, Na and 0.085 ± 0.38, 0.0049 ± 0.0046, 0.0091 ± 0.0029, 0.099 ± 0.0069 mg/kg for Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd in human hair samples obtained in the vicinity of Ashaka cement factory. The findings of the study is greatly importance to the entire society, especially those in the area of Ashaka cement factory and it also informs people about the positive and negative effects of trace elements on human life. Based on this result, it is recommended amongst other things that, there should be a need for a study on the assessment of the elements content of cement dust using a variety of analytical approaches since; some of the elements such as Al, Si, Ni, and Hg were not detected in the sample obtained in the study using atomic absorption spectrometry.

Spatial distribution, impact factors, and potential health implications of trace elements in human hair from capital residents in China

We analyzed the levels, spatial distribution, impact factors, source apportionment, and potential health implications of trace elements (V, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Mo, and Co) in 1202 human hair samples of urban residents aged 4–55 from 29 cities in China. The median values of seven trace elements in hair were found in the following increasing order: Co (0.02 μg/g) < V (0.04 μg/g) < Mo (0.05 μg/g) < Ni (0.32 μg/g) < Mn (0.74 μg/g) < Cu (9.63 μg/g) < Zn (157 μg/g). The spatial distribution of these trace elements in the hair from the six geographical subdivisions varied depending on the exposure sources and impact factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that Cu, Zn, and Co in the hair samples of urban residents were primarily derived from food, whereas V, Ni, and Mn were attributed to industrial activities and food. Majority of the hair samples (up to 81%) from North China (NC) exceeded the recommended value for V content, whereas up to 59.2%, 51.3%, and 31.6% samples from Northeast China (NE) exceeded the recommended values for Co, Mn, and Ni contents, respectively. The levels of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were significantly higher in female hair than those in male hair, whereas the levels of Mo were higher in male than in female hair (p < 0.01). Furthermore, significantly higher Cu/Zn ratios were observed in the hair of male residents than those in the female residents (p < 0.001), indicating a higher health risk for male residents.

The effects of dyes and bleaches on the sorption and desorption of trace elements in human hair.

Trace element concentrations and isotope ratios of hair reflect the blood levels at the time of hair formation, but can be affected by external factors such as dyeing, bleaching, and bathing. To investigate the effect of dyeing, bleaching, and bathing on hair, hair was immersed in tap water, and changes in trace element concentrations and the Sr isotope ratio were observed over time. During soaking, alkaline earth metals (Ca, Mg, and Sr) from tap water were gradually absorbed into the hair over time. After about one day, the adsorption capacity of hair reached a maximum and the reverse reaction started to occur. In contrast, alkaline metals (Na and K) behaved in reverse. In dyed and bleached hair, Na was significantly desorbed from the hair and gradually migrated to the water over time. The adsorption and desorption of trace elements were minimal in untreated original hair, but much higher in dyed and bleached hair. Thus, dyeing and bleaching appear to damage the hair surface structure and greatly promote the exchange of trace elements. The rapid exchange of trace elements, including Sr, between hair and tap water observed in this study indicates that hair samples can be easily contaminated during bathing.

Quantitative analysis of trace elements in human hair based on LIPS

Based on Laser Induced Plasma Spectroscopy ( LIPS), combined with Calibration-Free Method ( CFM),the content of trace elements in human hair was quantitatively analyzed. a LIPS spectrum acquisition system was established, which was composed of 1064 nm ns pulsed laser, HR4000optical fiber spectrometer and supporting optical components, and the aluminum alloy standard sample was introduced to calibrate the content. The plasma spectrum of the hair samples induced by laser with 15 ns pulse width was detected, the corrected spectral information was extracted, the content of hair trace elements was calculated by the CFM. The result shows that the content of hair trace elements can be analyzed efficiently and quickly through the CF-LIPS.

Cumulative Effect and Content Variation of Toxic Trace Elements in Human Hair around Xiaoqinling Gold Mining Area, Northwestern China

The harm of toxic trace element polluted living environments to human health in mining areas has attracted extensive attention. In this study, human hair samples from a toxic trace element polluted area (village A) in a mineral processing area collected in 2015 and 2019 were studied in detail and the nonpolluted human hair samples from a contrast area (village B) with a relatively clean environment were also collected for comparison. The Hg and As in human hair samples were analyzed by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) and the Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu in human hair samples were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). The single cumulative index (Pi) and the Nemerrow index (Pz) were used to evaluate the single and comprehensive cumulative pollution index. The results indicated that the average toxic trace element contents in human hair from different ages in the polluted area exhibited certain statistical significance. The average single cumulative indexes indicated a significant accumulation of Hg, Pb, and Cd in human hair of both genders and different ages from the polluted area, and the comprehensive cumulative pollution indexes revealed higher accumulation of toxic trace elements in the hair of males than in females. In general, the content of toxic trace elements in human hair from polluted area was still growing in accumulation. The high content of toxic trace elements in human hair shows a notable correlation with human health, and the environmental pollution in gold mining areas is seriously harmful to human health.

Analysis of trace elements in human hair through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for screening of prostate cancer

Analysis of trace elements in human hair through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy for screening of prostate cancer

Highly accurate determination of Zn and Cu in human hair by ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

Hair is an ideal biomarker for monitoring human health and environmental risks through the determination of trace elements in the hair. However, accurately quantifying trace elements in hair using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is a big challenge. A simple and low-cost method, ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution (UAAD), was proposed for quantifying trace elements in human hair. In this work, three different solvents (deionized water, nitric acid mixture, and sodium hydroxide) were used to dissolve the hair assisted by ultrasound; and then the hair solution was dripped onto filter paper. The effect of alkali dissolution on enhancing the spectral intensity of zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) was then analyzed. Using ultrasound-assisted alkali dissolution combined with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (UAAD-LIBS), the limits of detection (LoDs) for determining Zn and Cu elements can reach to 0.3517 μg/g and 0.0146 μg/g, respectively. Based on this simple method with low LoDs, the quantitative analysis results of LIBS for three actual samples were compared with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The relative errors of Zn and Cu between UAAD-LIBS and ICP-OES were less than 7.6% and 4.9%. These results show that using UAAD as a sample pretreatment process is an effective method of LIBS analysis.

On the Possibility of Using a Filament RF Discharge for Analyzing the Atomic Composition of Organic Compounds

A method for analyzing the atomic composition of organic compounds based on a filament RF discharge is proposed. The sample is prepared by heating it to 300°C in an argon atmosphere. The introduction of the sample into the discharge is carried out owing to the field electron emission of sample particles up to 300 µm in size. The optical emission spectra of particle atoms in the discharge are averaged. The method of internal standards for quantitative measurements is used. The sensitivity of the method for determining trace elements in human hair is at the ppm level.

Use of Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy and Multivariate Analysis for the Determination of Trace Elements in Human Scalp

The analysis of trace elements in human hair for use as biomarkers continues to generate considerable interest in environmental and bioanalytical studies, medical diagnostics, and forensic science. This study investigated the concentrations of essential and toxic elements (Fe, Mg, Ca, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Pb) using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS) in human scalp hair obtained from subjects living in Forsyth County, North Carolina, USA. The influence of age, sex, race, and smoking habits on the levels of trace elements in the hair samples were also investigated. Additionally, analyses were subjected to a statistical, regression, and principal component analysis to evaluate inter-elemental association and possible pattern recognition in hair samples. Furthermore, Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios, which are often used to evaluate the degree of Ca and Cu utilization in humans and as markers for various health related issues including, atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic cancer, were calculated. The overall mean concentrations of Fe (25 μg/g), Ca (710 μg/g), Mg (120 μg/g), Zn (190 μg/g), Cu (12 μg/g), and Cr (0.20 μg/g) were found in hair samples. The trace element concentrations varied widely in hair samples as demonstrated by large range of concentrations obtained for each element. However, levels of Cd and Pb elements of r = 0.840, p = 0.05). The levels of Fe, Ca, Mg, Zn, Cu, and Cr in hair samples and the calculated Ca/Mg and Zn/Cu ratios were found to be largely correlated with age, race, sex, and smoking habits.

Determination of trace elements in human hair: optimization of washing procedure with a product of traditional pharmacopeia in Morocco “Rhassoul”

Hair analysis is an accurate, low cost and non-invasive method of deter- mining the level of essential mineral elements (Cu, Mn, Zn and Pb), as well as toxic burden. Because hair is also susceptible to external contamination from the environment, hair should be washed before analysis. Having done so, sruface contgaminatin would be re- moved before starting the analysis. The core objective of this study was testing the effec- tiveness and aggressiveness of three washing procedures on the hair. This testing aimed at comparing the degree of removing the ex- ternal trace elements caused by environment from the hair. The conclusion that was drawn from this discussion was that combining the two procedures (natural and chemical), may have effective results concerning eliminat- ing the external trace elements and saving the KDLUIURPDJJUHVVLYHQHVV��7KH�oQDOO\�DGRSWHG� procedure removed effectively all external contaminants, without being too aggressive on the hair. This procedure did not remove the elements incorporated into the hair matrix, as WKLVIUDFWLRQDORQHUH?HFWVWKHDFFXPXODWLRQRI� trace elements in the organism.

Concentration and reference interval of trace elements in human hair from students living in Palermo, Sicily (Italy)

Trace element contents in specimens of hair collected from 137 children aged 11–13 years old, living in Palermo (Sicily, Italy) were determined by ICP-MS. This work reports analytical data for the following 19 elements: Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sr, U, V and Zn. The most abundant chemical elements were zinc and copper (Zn > Cu), with concentrations exceeding 10 μg/g (Zn = 189.2 μg/g; Cu = 22.9 μg/g). Other elements with concentrations greater than 1 μg/g were, in order of abundance, Al > Sr > Ba > Pb. The remaining elements were all below 1 μg/g. The average elemental concentrations in hair were statistically compared by Kolmogorov–Smirnov's test taking children's gender into account. Al, Ba, Cr, Li, Rb, Sb, Sr, V and Zn were statistically different according to gender, with significance p < 0.001. This study thus confirms the need for hair analysis to differentiate female data from those of males. IUPAC coverage intervals and coverage uncertainties for trace elements in the analysed hair samples are also reported.

The use of electrothermal vaporization ICP-OES for the determination of trace elements in human hair using slurry sampling and PTFE as modifier

A procedure for the determination of trace elements in human hair has been proposed by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-OES) with slurry sampling. Slurry was prepared by immersing human hair with conc. HNO3 and then adding a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) slurry, which was used as a chemical modifier for the improvement of vaporization characteristic of analyte. The slurry was homogenized with an ultrasonic vibrator before the measurement. The vaporization behaviour of the analytes in slurry and solution and the main influence factors for the determination were studied with the addition of PTFE systematically. Detection limits for this method varied from 0.033 µg g−1 (Cu) to 3.21 µg g−1 (Zn) with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 2.8–7.1%. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of trace elements (Cu, Mn, Cr, Fe, Zn, Cd and Pb) in human hair with minimum chemical pretreatment and aqueous calibration. The accuracy was checked by comparing the results of this method with those using pneumatic nebulization (PN) ICP-OES after a conventional acid decomposition of the same sample. In addition, the standard reference material of human hair (GBW 07601) was analysed with good agreement between the results from the proposed method and the certified values.

Variations in the level of some trace elements in hair of participants in the Italian expeditions in Antarctica

As a part the Italian National Programme of Research in Antarctica (PNRA) a monitoring study has been undertaken to quantify the concentrations of some selected trace elements in human hair of participants in the Antarctic expeditions. Such concentrations may vary as a consequence of the extreme environmental conditions and changes in lifestyle experienced by participants in the expeditions, as some evidence in previous investigations seems to suggest. The present study regards samples collected on the occasion of the 2002-2003 expedition to the Italian Base of Terra Nova Bay (now Mario Zucchelli Base), i.e., just before the expedition and about one month later. Seven essential elements were taken into account, namely, Ca, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mg, Mn and Mo. Determinations were performed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) and Dynamic Reaction Cell Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (DRC-ICP-MS). Data obtained were statistically treated by using the non-parametric Friedman test. The concentrations of Ca, Cu and Mg were found to decrease (P < 0.05). The stress caused by the severe environmental conditions might well play a role in the observed decrease.

Spurious interferences in the ion chromatographic determination of trace elements in human hair

The dynamic ion-exchange chromatographic analysis of bivalent ions, such as Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co and Mn in resistant organic matrices needs preliminary wet ashing with oxidizing acids (HNO3 and HClO4). Such treatment may lead to an increase in the amounts of metals present in the sample due to their release from containers or equipment used in an acidic environment and to metal impurities contained in the acids. The effect of these interferences in the determination of trace metals in human hair was studied.

Determination of trace elements in human hair

The concentrations of 28 elements in hair of three populations of non-occupationally exposed adults in the US (n = 271) were determined. The 10th, 50th, and 90th percentiles, and geometric means for these data were obtained to define reference intervals for these elements. The effects of various hair treatments, age, and sex on concentrations of 17 selected elements in hair were determined for these populations. Age had little effect on elemental concentrations. Males tended to have higher Cd and Pb levels, but lower Mg and Ti levels than females. Males using dandruff shampoo had significantly higher concentrations of Na, Se, and Ti than those using only regular shampoo and/or conditioners. Ba, Ca, Cu, Mg, Na, and Sr were all elevated in females using permanents or color treatments, compared to those using only dandruff shampoo, regular shampoo, and/or conditioners.

Survey of trace elements in human nails: an international comparison.

Evaluation of trace metals in human tissues such as hair and nails has proven useful in the studies pertaining to chronic body exposure. These have also been suggested as indexes to evaluate environmental exposure by toxic trace metals. Though hair have been more extensively studied than finger nails, yet it remains that the latter tissue is equally promising in the characterization of certain diseases and abnormalities. These studies reveal continued interest in trace elements in the devitalized human tissues. The authors conducted earlier a survey of trace elements in human hair and in continuation of this study the present communication reports the data on trace elements in human nails in populations of diverse regions. Over 500 specimens drawn from Japan, India, Poland, Canada and U.S.A. were analyzed for 21 trace elements. An attempt has also been made to differentiate trace elements distributed according to age, sex and living habits of the donors.

Trace elements in human hair—a significant forensic future?

Trace elements in human hair—a significant forensic future?

Neutron activation analysis of trace elements in human hair: Effect of dietary and environmental factors

Effect of environment and dietary habits on trace element contents in human scalp hair has been investigated in the present work. Trace elements were detected with neutron activation technique. It was found that diet and environment contribute largely towards the trace elements in human body. Further trace elements Te, Lu, Ba, Cs, Yb, Re, Hf, In and Ir were detected for the first time in human scalp hair.

Trace elements in human hair: an international comparison.

Hair as a biological tissue is unique in the sense that it serves as an accumulator for trace elements, and in addition, it is formed in relatively short period of time and remains isolated from the metabolic events in the human body. In view of the interest in the distribution of trace elements in human hair an international survey was conducted to study their distribution in populations of different origin. Hair samples drawn from North America (USA, Canada), Europe (Poland) and Asia (Japan and India) were analyzed for 21 trace elements. An attempt was also made to observe a correlation, if any, between elemental concentration, age, sex and living habits of the individuals in a particular country.

The variation of trace element concentration in human hair: The trace element profile in human long hair by sectional analysis using neutron activation analysis

Neutron activation analysis was used to determine the distribution of trace elements in human hair. Hair samples were obtained from five infants (two to seven years of age) with hair length ranging from 15 to 40 cm. The hairs were divided into segments, each of 2.5 cm, starting from the scalp end and trace elements were analysed in each segment. Concentrations of I, Mg, Ca and Cu increased from the scalp end to the tip. Concentrations of Cl and Br decreased inversely. Different profiles of the concentrations of Hg, Se, Ca and Mn were seen in each sample. These results were discussed with reference to the indication of environmental pollution.