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

Abstract

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 <0.030 µg/g were detected in hair sample. In general, the levels of the trace elements in hair samples were poorly correlated. However, significant correlations were found between Ca and Mg (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.

The influence of food consumption and socio-economic factors on the relationship between zinc and iron intake and status in a healthy population

“…Overall, the plasma concentrations of Fe and Zn in the present study were within the expected normal ranges for the adult population and similar to reported levels of these elements in healthy individuals elsewhere ( 64 , 65 ) . Similarly, the mean values of Fe-related biochemical parameters were within the expected ranges for a healthy population of subjects ( 64 , 66 , 67 ) .…”

Dental Erosion by Beverages and Determination of Trace Elements in Teeth by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

“…The trace elements concentrations in ppm obtained from the constructed calibration curves for the investigated trace elements in the tooth samples. Table 1 indicates the wavelength used for AAS elemental analysis, the limits of detection LOD which is defined as the minimum detectable amount of metal, was calculated using the equation: LOD = 3 s/m; where s is the signal of the blank and m is the slop of the calibration curve [15]. The trace of the element concentration varied widely in the tooth samples as demonstrated by the large range of trace element concentration.…”

Trace metal analysis by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry and x-ray K-edge densitometry of forensic samples

“…A number of samples that may be acquired as evidence at a crime scene have been analyzed for trace element composition, such as glass (19,20,21), soil (22,23), hair (24), teeth and bones (25), and drugs (26) by various techniques. Some such analysis techniques include particle induced x-ray emission (PIXE), micro x-ray fluorescence (mXRF), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), spark source mass spectrometry, laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), synchrotron radiation x-ray fluorescence, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), and graphite furnace-AAS.…”

“…ICP-MS also offers the potential for a highly sensitive, rapid, and cost effective analysis of small samples for identification and comparison of forensic evidence (23,24).…”