Use Of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Research Articles

Environmental and Health Impact of Heavy Metal Accumulation in (Hair - Nails) of Scavenger Workers at Some Landfill Sites in Baghdad City-Iraq

Background: Heavy metals are considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants due to their high toxicity, even at low concentrations, and their accumulation in various body tissues. Landfills contain various wastes rich in heavy metals, such as batteries, paints, and household and hospital waste, making them a major source of air, soil, and groundwater pollution. Objective: To analyze the level of accumulation of heavy metals in hair and nail samples of waste collectors. Material and method: Five main landfill sites in the city of Baghdad were chosen to collect hair and nail samples from waste collectors of both sexes for the winter and summer seasons to analyze the levels of metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, and copper). And the use of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results: Higher concentrations of lead, copper, and nickel were found in nail samples during the summer compared to the winter, indicating an increased risk of exposure to them. While zinc accumulation was much greater in winter samples. Conclusions The results highlight the health risks faced by landfill workers. A need to develop tailored strategies to control exposure to these emissions based on weather conditions and priority metals of concern identified through regular biological monitoring.

Assessing phytotoxicity and tolerance levels of ZnO nanoparticles on Raphanus sativus: implications for widespread adoptions.

The escalating release of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) into the environment poses a substantial threat, potentially leading to increased concentrations of zinc (Zn) in the soil and subsequent phytotoxic effects. This study aimed to assess the effects of ZnO NPs on Raphanus sativus (R. sativus) concerning its tolerance levels, toxicity, and accumulation. ZnO NPs were synthesized by the wet chemical method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of ZnO NPs (70 nm) on R. sativus grown in coir was evaluated. The application of 1,000 mg/L of ZnO NPs resulted in a significant increase (p < 0.05) in soluble protein content, carbohydrates, chlorophyll a (Chl-a), chlorophyll b (Chl-b), total chlorophylls, carotenoids, and antioxidants by 24.7%, 58.5%, 38.0%, 42.2%, 39.9%, 11.2%, and 7.7%, respectively. Interestingly, this dose had no impact on the indole acetic acid (IAA) content. Conversely, the use of 2,000 mg/L of ZnO NPs in the same medium led to a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in soluble protein content by 23.1%, accompanied by a notable increase in IAA by 31.1%, indicating potential toxicity. The use of atomic absorption spectroscopy confirmed the internalization of zinc in seedlings, with a statistically significant increase (p < 0.05). In control plants without ZnO NPs, Zn concentration was 0.36 mg/g, while at the highest ZnO NPs tested dose of 10,000 mg/L, it significantly rose to 1.76 mg/g, causing leaf chlorosis and stunted seedling growth. This suggests potential health risks related to Zn toxicity for consumers. Given the adverse effects on R. sativus at concentrations above 1000 mg/L, caution is advised in the application and release of ZnO NPs, highlighting the importance of responsible practices to mitigate harm to plant life and consumer health. The study demonstrated the tolerance of R. sativus to high Zn levels, classifying it as a Zn-tolerant species.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in Agricultural Soils and Plant (Vernonia amygdalina Delile) in Port Harcourt Metropolis, Nigeria

This study assessed the concentration of heavy metal, such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), Nickel (Ni), and Silver (Ag), in Vernonia amygdalina Delile and agricultural soils of three university farms located in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. The soils and plants were taken randomly to form composite samples and analyzed for heavy metals by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). The study stations were agricultural soils and Vernonia amygdalina Delile from the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (I), River State University (R) and University of Port Harcourt (U). The soil samples recorded mean concentration ranges for Fe as 19.71 ± 1.77 (I)–27.24 ± 3.56 mg/kg (R) in soils and 12.95 ± 1.68 (R)–18.18 ± 2.02 mg/kg (U) for the bitter leaf samples. The mean range for Pb concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 4.35 ± 0.87–6.80 ± 0.86 mg/kg and 0.24 ± 0.64–2.19 ± 0.74 mg/kg, while Cd concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 0.46 ± 0.28–1.42 ± 0.40 mg/kg and 0.17 ± 0.22–0.42 ± 0.08 mg/kg, respectively. The respective mean ranges for Cr concentration in the soil and bitter leaf were 5.91 ± 1.14–8.77 ± 0.88 mg/kg and 4.04 ± 0.64–5.92 ± 0.69 mg/kg, while Ni in soil and bitter leaf were 0.54 ± 3.38–10.26 ± 3.50 mg/kg and 0.042 ± 1.42–3.30 ± 0.88 mg/kg, while Ag was negligible. Heavy metal levels in soils and Vernonia amygdalina followed the order Fe &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Cd and Fe &gt; Cr &gt; Ni &gt; Pb &gt; Cd, respectively, and were lower than WHO/FAO and EPA, except Cd, which was higher in soil and in Vernonia amygdalina. The ecological risk factor (ErF) was comparatively lower in soils than in the plant, while pollution load index (PLI) showed high heavy metal retention capacities in Vernonia amygdalina due to more anthropogenic influences. The metal transfer factor (TF) was highest in Fe, followed by Cr &gt; Cd &gt; Ni &gt; Pb, while Pb had the highest chances of cancer risks from the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), especially in both soil and plant (mean ILCR, 2.07 × 10−2 and 2.45 × 10−3), while Cd had the least (mean ILCR, 9.64 × 10−5 and 3.36 × 10−5). Anthropogenic activities must be regulated and monitored by government relevant agencies to reduce heavy metal inputs into soils and avoid excessive accruals in food chain.

Latitude and Skimming Process Effect on Cow’s Milk Content in Essential Inorganic Elements

The objective of this study was to determine the mineral variation of cow’s milk as affected by latitude (north or south Europe; reflecting different feeding practices, i.e. grazing or not), and manufacturing process (different fat content). The mineral content of milk is particularly important to the infant food formula industry, whilst milk products cover a significant proportion of adult requirements in inorganic elements. Milk samples of pasteurized full fat milk were taken according to the origin of milk; southern Europe or north Europe during autumn; reflecting different feeding practices. Additionally, milk samples with different fat content 0, 1.5 and 3.5% were taken during the year, from manufacturing milk supplies. The elements determined were Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy, and P was determined through UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Milk fat removal significantly increased the macro mineral content Ca, P, and Mg. Manufacturing process did not affect micro element content. Latitude did not have significant impact on the content of macro minerals, but significant effect on Cu and Mn content. Higher Cu content in milk of south origin was probably related to higher concentrate to forage ratio fed. Higher Mn content in milk of north origin could be attributed to hay or/and drinking water of high industrialized countries. The elements Zn and Fe were not affected by manufacturing process neither by latitude. It was concluded that only Cu can be substantially manipulated through animal nutrition. Food composition tables should be updated as macro inorganic element content of milk is reduced gradually corresponding to higher yielding cows, whilst trace element content tend to increase as a result of higher proportion of concentrates fed.

Determination of nickel and its compounds in a working environment

Nickel and its compounds have been classified as carcinogenic in a regulation of the European Parliament called the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labeling and Packaging). This substance is found in industry in the production of steel and alloys, and in the production of protective coatings. In Poland, the value of the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for nickel and its compounds, amounting to 0.25 mg/m3, will be reduced to 0.1 mg/m3. The aim of the study was to develop a selective method for the determination of nickel and its compounds in the air at workplaces, used to assess occupational exposure and compliant with the requirements for procedures of determining chemical factors in the work environment. The atomic absorption spectrometer SOLAAR M (ThermoElectron Corporation, USA) was used in the research. The developed determination method consists in sampling nickel and its compounds contained in the air onto a membrane filter, followed by filter mineralization with concentrated acid and the determination of nickel with the use of atomic absorption spectrometry. A 1% lanthanum buffer was used to eliminate the Fe, Co, Cr and Cu interference. The method enables the determination of nickel in a wide concentration range of 0.25-10.00 μg/ml. The characteristic concentration for the determination of nickel was 0.07 μg/ml. The limit of quantification was 0.012 μg/ ml and the limit of detection was 0.004 μg/ml. The average value of the filter recovery coefficient is 1.00. The developed method for the determination of nickel and its compounds allows for a selective determination of this substance in the air at workplaces in the concentration range of 0.014-0.56 mg/m3 and 0.007-0.28 mg/m3 for an air sample with a volume of 720 l. It allows for the determination of this substance from 1/10 to 2 MAC values for the current mandatory value of 0.25 mg/m3 as well as for the 2.5 times lower hygienic standard proposed to be introduced by 2025 as binding limit value in the EU. The method meets the requirements of PN-EN 482. Med Pr. 2021;72(3):267-81.

Trace elements in patients with aortic valve sclerosis.

Background:Aortic valve sclerosis (AVSc) is defined as the thickening and calcification of aortic valve cusps, in the absence of obstruction of ventricular outflow. AVSc is linked with a clear imbalance in some trace elements.Aims:The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between AVSc and serum levels of iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and copper (Cu). Additionally, this research aimed to explore the clinical significance of human serum zinc, selenium, copper, and iron concentrations as a potential new biomarker for AVSc patients and to clarify the pathophysiological role in individuals at risk of developing AVSc.Patients and methods:The study included 40 subjects with AVSc (25% male and 75% female) who were compared with a healthy control group with the same gender ratio. AVSc was based on comprehensive echocardiographic assessments. Blood samples were taken and Zn and Cu concentrations were determined through the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy. Se was measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry device and Fe was measured using a Beckman Coulter instrument.Results:There was a significant difference in the prevalence of diabetes, blood pressure levels, and body mass index between the patients and the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). The differences between the serum Fe, Se, and Cu levels of the AVSc patients and the healthy subjects (p > 0.05) were recorded. The serum Zn of AVSc patients when compared was significantly lower compared with that of the control group (p < 0.01).Conclusion:Patients with AVSc had an imbalance in some of the trace elements in their blood. The patient group’s valves had higher serum Cu levels and lower serum Se, Zn, and Fe concentrations compared with the healthy group’s valves. In the valve patients as compared, AVSc had a high prevalence of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.

Influence of Heavy Metal Concentration on Chlorophyll Content in Pleurozium schreberi Mosses

Abstract The aim of biomonitoring is assessment of environment condition. Biomonitoring studies with the use of mosses focus mainly on analytes accumulation and determining elements’ concentrations in the study area. It is often forgotten that a bioindicator should be alive during biomonitoring studies (which can be determined by, e.g., analysis of chlorophyll content). The objective of the carried out research was an assessment of the influence of selected heavy metals concentration: Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb accumulated by Pleurozium schreberi mosses during 3-month exposition within active biomonitoring, on their vitality, assessed by an analysis of a and b chlorophyll concentrations. The studies were also carried out in laboratory conditions, where the content of the dyes was determined with the aid of a UV-Vis spectrophotometer, in mosses reacting with solutions of various concentrations of the analysed metals. The content of elements in mosses after exposition and in solutions prior and after sorption were determined with the use of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) in a flame atomiser. After the carried out studies it was determined that mosses, during 12-week long exposition, accumulated heavy metals, which did not clearly influence the changes in chlorophyll content. The carried out studies prove that heavy metals are not the only and determining factor, which influences chlorophyll content in mosses as well as the bioindicator’s vitality in the conditions of environmental stress.

EFECTO DE LA INSERCIÓN DEL BENZOATO DE COBALTO EN LOS ASFALTENOS

Los asfaltenos del crudo Ayacucho fueron modificados con la inserción de benzoato de cobalto. Los resultados de FTIR, se denotaron cambios estructurales en los asfaltenos, producto de la modificación con la inserción del benzoato de cobalto. En el análisis elemental, se observan variaciones de la relación H/C y el aumento del porcentaje de oxígeno, confirmando que el Co está en la matriz del asfaltenos, reiterándolo a través del uso de espectroscopia de absorción atómica. Con la medición de la conductancia, se determinó que el benzoato de cobalto se insertó en la matriz asfalténica y no quedo adsorbido. Comprobándose a través del RMN-1H; la disminución de protones aromáticos en los asfaltenos con benzoato de Co, producto de la inserción del mismo en la zona aromática. Adicionalmente, a través de los espectros infrarrojos y de RMN-1H, se denota la presencia del THF-HPO, atrapado en la matriz asfalténica.

Germanium content in Polish hard coals

Due to the policy of the European Union, it is necessary to search for new sources of scarce raw materials. One of these materials is germanium, listed as a critical element. This semi-metal is widely used in the electronics industry, for example in the production of semiconductors, fibre optics and solar cells. Coal and fly ash from its combustion and gasification for a long time have been considered as a potential source of many critical elements, particularly germanium. The paper presents the results of germanium content determination in the Polish hard coal. 23 coal samples of various coal ranks were analysed. The samples were collected from 15 mines of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin and from one mine of the Lublin Coal Basin. The determination of germanium content was performed with the use of Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Electrothermal Atomization (GFAAS). The investigation showed that germanium content in the analysed samples was at least twice lower than the average content of this element in the hard coals analysed so far and was in the range of 0.08 ÷ 1.28 mg/kg. Moreover, the content of Ge in the ashes from the studied coals does not exceed 15 mg/kg, which is lower than the average value of Ge content in the coal ashes. The highest content of this element characterizes coals of the Lublin Coal Basin and young coals type 31 from the Vistula region. The results indicate a low utility of the analysed coal ashes as a source of the recovery of germanium. On the basis of the analyses, the lack of the relationship between the content of the element and the ash content in the tested coals was noted. For coals of the Upper Silesian Coal Basin, the relationship between the content of germanium in the ashes and the depth of the seam was observed.

Characterization and Utilization of Tannin Extract for the Selective Adsorption of Ni (II) Ions from Water

The current paper studies the preparation of a new tannin gel fromAcacia niloticafor water purification and waste water remediation. Design of experiments is used for optimizing the tannin gel using tannin extract (Taguchi method) with formaldehyde in the assistance of microwave (TGAN) by the help of iodine number. The feasible combinations were tested in the removal of nickel from simulated and river water. In this study, the effect of adsorbent dosage, pH, and initial metal concentration on Ni (II) biosorption on modifiedAcacia niloticatannin gel (TGAN) was investigated. Tannin gel was characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and EDAX. The kinetic data was tested using pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion model. The results suggested that the pseudo-second-order model (R2&gt; 0.998) was the best choice among all the kinetic models describing the adsorption behavior of Ni (II) onto TGAN. Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, and Dubinin-Radushkevich adsorption models were used to represent the equilibrium data. The best interpretation for the experimental data was given by the Langmuir isotherm and the maximum adsorption capacity 250 mg g−1of Ni (II) was obtained at pH 5.04 at 296 K. Adsorption of Ni (II) onto TGAN is confirmed qualitatively by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy. The BOD and COD values are considerably reduced after adsorption.

Assessment of Microbial and Heavy Metal Concentration per Distance and Depth at a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

The field study involved 4 sites and 15 samples according to the wind directions: North, East, South and West. The analysis was conducted through the use of Atomic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Ten types of heavy metals were identified as indicators for pollution namely Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd. The results indicated that the concentration of Fe was the most dominant per specific distances and depths and exceeded the minimum standard in North, East and West directions. While Cu was the second most dominant with concentration exceeding minimum standard per specific distance and depth, mainly in the West direction. The results have shown presence of bacterial species including Pseudomonas, Mirococcus, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Bacillus and Klebsiella. These pathogens can infect wounds and cause sepsis and mortality and can even occur with such organisms to cause secondary infection. These groups of organisms are almost impossible to control since they are ubitiquous

Assessment of Microbial and Heavy Metal Concentration per Distance and Depth at a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill

The field study involved 4 sites and 15 samples according to the wind directions: North, East, South and West. The analysis was conducted through the use of Atomic Absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Ten types of heavy metals were identified as indicators for pollution namely Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cr, and Cd. The results indicated that the concentration of Fe was the most dominant per specific distances and depths and exceeded the minimum standard in North, East and West directions. While Cu was the second most dominant with concentration exceeding minimum standard per specific distance and depth, mainly in the West direction. The results have shown presence of bacterial species including Pseudomonas, Mirococcus, Actinomyces, Neisseria, Bacillus and Klebsiella. These pathogens can infect wounds and cause sepsis and mortality and can even occur with such organisms to cause secondary infection. These groups of organisms are almost impossible to control since they are ubitiquous

Chemometric analysis of heavy metal content for various environmental matrices in terms of their use in biomass thermal processing

Abstract Chemometric analysis was performed to determine the heavy metal content, such as Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Fe, in 36 samples of Scots Pine taken from 9 locations within the Upper Silesian Industrial Basin. The samples, after being pre-processed, were examined for the above elements through the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The highest concentration of heavy metals was discovered in samples from Jaworzno. Based on the concentration assessment, the relationship between element quantity, sampling location, and matrix type has been determined, and definite element group co-existence has been confirmed and described.

Study Concerning the Level of Pollution with Heavy Metalls of Forestry Species from Cluj – Napoca Town

The possibility of monitoring the degree of heavy metal pollution in most crowded Cluj-Napoca town areas using different forestry species as biomonitors located around 4 monitoring stations was studied. Acer platanoides, Acer pseudoplatanus, Aesculus hippocastanum, Betula pendula, Juglans regia, Picea pungens var. Glauca, Picea abies, Pinus nigra, Tilia cordata, Robinia pseudoacacia, and Thuja occidentaliswere were the analyzed species. Microwave digestion of leaf and/or needles tissues and subsequent use of atomic absorption spectrometry was the analytical methodology used for the determination of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd). Only for the concentration of lead in the tree leaves and/or needles bigger values compared to maximum admitted limit were reported. This situation was recorded in three of the four monitoring stations. Aesculus hippocastanum, was the tree specie that accumulates the bigger metallic pollutant quantities, while Betula pendula, the smallest. A moderate negative correlation was reported between copper and lead (r = - 0.506), which is the biggest among the monitored pollutants.

Relation between kinetic regularities of the inhibition of aluminum corrosion with metal salts and the formation of contact deposits on the aluminum surface in chloride electrolytes

Under contact-exchange conditions at high metal depolarization, the regularities of the inhibition of aluminum corrosion in hydrochloric electrolytes containing tin and cadmium chlorides or their equimolar mixture are studied. For the inhibiting composition, the mutual effect of the components is estimated taking into account the actual component contents in the contact deposit, which was determined with the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy.

Investigation of the Use of Cucumis sativus for Remediation of Chromium from Contaminated Environmental Matrices. An Interdisciplinary Instrumental Analysis Project

An interdisciplinary, semester-long project is presented in which students grow Cucumis sativus (cucumber) plants from seeds and study the ability of the plants to remediate a heavy metal from contaminated soil or water or both. Phytoremediation strategies for environmental cleanup are presented as possible alternatives to chemical based clean-up methods. The project is presented to the students as a general topic, and the students or instructor can choose which experimental variables to study. The results of the projects presented here focused on the remediation of Cr(III) from aqueous media and Cr(II), Cr(III), and Cr(VI) from contaminated soil. This project introduces students to the concepts of phytoremediation, the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy for the analysis of metals ions, and research methodology.

Heavy metal concentrations in soils as determined by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), with special emphasis on chromium

Soil is unanimously considered as one of the most important sink of heavy metals released by human activities. Heavy metal analysis of natural and polluted soils is generally conducted by the use of atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) or inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) on adequately obtained soil extracts. Although in recent years the emergent technique of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has been applied widely and with increasing success for the qualitative and quantitative analyses of a number of heavy metals in soil matrices with relevant simplification of the conventional methodologies, the technique still requires further confirmation before it can be applied fully successfully in soil analyses. The main objective of this work was to demonstrate that new developments in LIBS technique are able to provide reliable qualitative and quantitative analytical evaluation of several heavy metals in soils, with special focus on the element chromium (Cr), and with reference to the concentrations measured by conventional ICP spectroscopy. The preliminary qualitative LIBS analysis of five soil samples and one sewage sludge sample has allowed the detection of a number of elements including Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, Si, Ti, V and Zn. Of these, a quantitative analysis was also possible for the elements Cr, Cu, Pb, V and Zn based on the obtained linearity of the calibration curves constructed for each heavy metal, i.e., the proportionality between the intensity of the LIBS emission peaks and the concentration of each heavy metal in the sample measured by ICP. In particular, a triplet of emission lines for Cr could be used for its quantitative measurement. The consistency of experiments made on various samples was supported by the same characteristics of the laser-induced plasma (LIP), i.e., the typical linear distribution confirming the existence of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) condition, and similar excitation temperatures and comparable electron number density measured for all samples. An index of the anthropogenic contribution of Cr in polluted soils was calculated in comparison to a non-polluted reference soil. Thus, the intensity ratios of the emission lines of heavy metal can be used to detect in few minutes the polluted areas for which a more detailed sampling and analysis can be useful.

Determination of Trace Metals in Southern Nigerian Honey by Use of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

ABSTRACT Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was employed for the elemental characterization of samples of honey—a multifunctional viscous liquid that is made by honeybees. The honey samples were collected from five different towns in southern Nigeria. Seven elements (Ca, Zn, Fe, Cu, Ni, Ti, and Pb) were determined. Iron was the most abundant element with mean concentration of 224 ppm whereas Pb was the least abundant with mean concentration of 0.62 ppm. The results indicate that honey is rich in essential and beneficial minerals required for healthy growth. The correlation matrix results also show that some of the trace metals determined have common sources or chemical similarities.

Atomic-absorption spectrometric determination of catalytic components (Pd, Ti, and Cu) in mixtures based on phenol

Procedures for the determination of palladium, titanium, and copper in organic reaction mixtures based on phenol were developed with the use of atomic absorption spectrometry and various sample preparation techniques: quantitative back extraction of the metals with a 2 M HCl solution; autoclave digestion in an acid mixture of HClO4, HF, and HNO3; and decomposition in a muffle furnace. The accuracy of analysis was demonstrated by a comparison between the results of the atomic-absorption spectrometric determination of the elements obtained with the use of all of the sample preparation techniques proposed and the standard addition method. The relative standard deviation in the determination of palladium, copper, and titanium was 7–10%.

Long‐term follow‐up of metal‐on‐metal total hip replacement

Metal-on-metal articulations were reintroduced to reduce polyethylene particle-induced osteolysis. Elevated serum metal levels have been detected at short- and intermediate-term follow-up. There is little knowledge about long-term effects of increased ionic metal generation. Our study was undertaken to provide information about long-term survival, clinical outcome, radiographic appearance, and serum metal concentrations after a minimum 10 years follow-up with a metal-on-metal hip prosthesis: 105 cementless primary total hip prostheses with metal-on-metal articulating surfaces were implanted in 98 patients with a mean age of 56 years. Clinical data, radiographs, and blood samples were obtained at a follow-up visit 10 years after implantation. Serum cobalt and chromium levels were determined with use of atomic absorption spectrometry. General laboratory analyses included a full blood count and kidney function parameters. The Harris score was 92 points and the UCLA score 6 points after 10 years. Small osteolytic lesions and radiolucent lines were found in Gruen's zones 1, 7, 8, and 14. The probability of survival was 98.6%. The median serum cobalt concentration of the 22 patients with their hip replacement as the only source of cobalt was 0.75 microg/L (range, 0.3-50.1 microg/L). No patient was diagnosed with renal insufficiency during the study period. Five patients were diagnosed with a malignancy between surgery and the follow-up. We do not have evidence of an increased rate of primary malignancies nor could we detect renal failure in our study group. Serum metal levels did not differ from short- and intermediate term follow-up values.