1
|
Aragona F, Cicero N, Nava V, Piccione G, Giannetto C, Fazio F. Blood and hoof biodistibution of some trace element (Lithium, Copper, Zinc, Strontium and, Lead) in horse from two different areas of Sicily. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2024; 82:127378. [PMID: 38171268 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2023.127378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Biological monitoring of trace element horses is a well-known tool for investigating potential bioaccumulation in urbanized and industrialized geographical areas. Some biomaterials such as hoof are considered as an important indicator of environmental pollution. Hooves can store trace elements for a long time compared to blood and this represents a scientific key to long-term monitoring of exposure to environmental pollutants. In the present study, samples of equine hoof and blood were taken from an experimental group of horses living in an industrialized area of Sicily (Italy) and from a control group of horses housed in a non-industrialized area of Sicily to evaluate the bioaccumulation of different trace elements in different substrates. METHODS Hoof and blood mineral concentration of Li- Lithium, Cu- Copper, Zn- Zinc, Sr- Strontium and, Pb- Lead was processed by means of Thermo Scientific iCAP-Q ICP-MS spectrometer. Student T-test was applied to evaluate the differences between groups and substrates. Correlation analysis between substrates and hematological parameters was performed. RESULTS Statistical analysis showed a significant statistical difference for Li (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between blood and hoof in both groups. A statistically significant difference was observed for Li (p < 0.0001), Cu(p < 0.01), Zn (p < 0.0001) and Pb (p < 0.0001) between substrates in the experimental group. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference of blood Zn (p < 0.01) and hoof Pb (p < 0.01) concentration between groups. Our results revealed a statistically higher concentration of minerals in the blood substrate than in the hoof in both groups. Li (p < 0.0001) and Zn (p < 0.001) were positively correlated between control and experimental group in blood substrate. No correlations were found (P > .05) in hoof between groups for other elements. A positive correlation with WBC was observed in Cu concentration for hoof substrate (p < 0.02) in control group and for Zn in experimental group (p < 0.02). A positive correlation with HGB and HCT was observed for Cu hoof concentration (p < 0.02) in experimental group and PLT resulted positively correlated (p < 0.02) with Pb blood substrate in control group. CONCLUSIONS Horses were not overexposed to these elements in the analyzed groups. The study highlights the role of a new bioaccumulation substrate such as the horse hoof identified as an analytical matrix for the monitoring of heavy metal concentrations in domestic animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Nicola Cicero
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Nava
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy.
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Science, University of Messina, Via Giovanni Palatucci, 98168 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lv L, Liu B, Yu Y, Dong W, Gao L, He Y. Heavy metals in paired samples of hair and nails in China: occurrence, sources and health risk assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2023; 45:3171-3185. [PMID: 36167881 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-022-01400-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The occurrence of heavy metals including chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) was investigated in paired samples of hair and nails collected from 121 volunteers in 16 cities, China. Results showed that the mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cr, Ni and Cd were 205, 18.0, 7.79, 6.18, 3.54, 2.02, 0.533 μg g-1 in hair and 103, 8.09, 0.760, 7.27, 6.07, 8.81, 0.485 μg g-1 in nails, respectively. The concentrations of Zn, Ni, Cr, Cd and Pb were positively correlated in paired samples of hair and nails, whereas a negative correlation was found for Cu and As between hair and nails. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were found in northern China than southern China. The multivariate analysis of variance revealed that dwelling environment was the dominant factor influencing the levels of Cd in hair (p < 0.05), while age was the dominant factor influencing the levels of Cr in nails (p < 0.05). Moreover, industrial pollution and smoking were also the important factors leading to the accumulation of heavy metals in human body. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that industrial pollution and decoration material immersion were the main factors for the high concentrations of Cr and Ni in hair, accounting for 62.9% of the total variation; As in hair was dominantly related to groundwater pollution. The concentrations of heavy metals were within the recommended ranges in nails from this study. However, the mean levels of Cr, Ni and As in hair exceeded their recommended reference values, indicating potential health risks from heavy metals for residents in China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyang Lv
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| | - Baolin Liu
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China.
| | - Yong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Wetland Ecology and Environment, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130102, China
| | - Weihua Dong
- College of Geographical Sciences, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| | - Lei Gao
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| | - Yaowei He
- College of Chemistry, Changchun Normal University, Changchun, 130032, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vinothkannan A, Emmanuel Charles P, Rajaram R, Al-Sadoon MK, Gulnaz A. Survey to identify the metal accumulation pathway in humans using hair and nail as biomarkers from fisherfolk population. CHEMOSPHERE 2023; 319:138020. [PMID: 36731676 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2023.138020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Human hair and nail samples from Cuddalore fisherfolk populations were used as biomarkers for assessing metal concentrations in humans. Hair samples from 80 participants (47 men and 33 women) and nail samples from 40 participants (21 men and 19 women) were collected, and the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were assessed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Metal data from AAS were compared with the survey questionnaire's personal and dietary parameters. Results indicate that both personal and dietary parameters may influence metal exposure; however, majority of the sources may have originated from metal-contaminated seafood. Higher metal accumulation in communities, especially those which consume seafood on a daily basis, may increase the possibility for them to get affected by metal-related diseases. Based on environmental parameters, people who live ≤500 m from industrial zones accumulate more metals. Further extensive studies with more individuals and more questionnaire parameters are needed to identify the metal accumulation pathway in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anbazhagan Vinothkannan
- DNA Barcoding and Marine Genomics Laboratory, Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620 024, India
| | - Partheeban Emmanuel Charles
- DNA Barcoding and Marine Genomics Laboratory, Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620 024, India
| | - Rajendran Rajaram
- DNA Barcoding and Marine Genomics Laboratory, Department of Marine Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, 620 024, India.
| | - Mohammad Khalid Al-Sadoon
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, PO Box 2455, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aneela Gulnaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, 280 Daehak-Ro, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk, 38641, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Moradi A, Honarjoo N, Besalatpour AA, Etemadifar M. Human exposure to dust and heavy metals in industrial regions and its relationship with the prevalence of multiple sclerosis disease. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2023; 195:471. [PMID: 36929205 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-023-11017-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, multiple sclerosis (MS) diseases have been significantly prevalent in some industrial areas of Iran, such as steel industrial areas in Isfahan province (central Iran). In this study, the environmental impacts of two steel mill factories in Isfahan province and their effects on the spread of MS in the region were investigated. To examine the extent of exposure, seasonal dust samples were collected from 15 sites around the two investigated factories. The annual dust deposition rate (DDR) was then determined and the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) in the dust samples were measured. Furthermore, the concentration of the mentioned elements was determined in the nail samples taken from 40 MS patients and 40 healthy people (control) living in the study region. The interpolated map extracted from the DDR values showed the highest dust deposition around the two studied steel factories, which decreases with increasing distance from them. The enrichment factor (EF) of heavy metals was the highest at the distance between the two steel factories, decreasing by moving away from them which indicate that these two steel factories are the source of investigated heavy metals in the region. The statistical analysis also revealed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the concentration of heavy metals measured in nail samples taken from MS patients and healthy people. The mean Pb concentration measured in the nail sample taken from MS patients was more than 18 times that of healthy people (93.45 and 5.02 mg/kg, respectively). These results revealed a buildup of heavy metals in the body of MS patients much more than usual, originating from the activities of two investigated steel companies in the region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anahita Moradi
- Department of Soil Science, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Jei Street , Isfahan, 81551-39998, Iran
| | - Naser Honarjoo
- Department of Soil Science, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Jei Street , Isfahan, 81551-39998, Iran.
| | | | - Masoud Etemadifar
- Department of Neurology, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81744, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dessie BK, Mehari B, Gari SR, Mihret A, Desta AF, Melaku S, Alamirew T, Walsh CL, Werner D, Zeleke G. Trace Element Levels in Nails of Residents of Addis Ababa Are Shaped by Social Factors and Geography. Biol Trace Elem Res 2023; 201:577-591. [PMID: 35233714 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-022-03181-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Akaki catchment in Ethiopia is home to Addis Ababa and about five million people. Its watercourses receive a variety of wastes released by the residents and industries. River water is being used for irrigation, livestock watering, and other domestic purposes. This study tested the hypothesis that the river pollution would be reflected in higher levels of trace elements in the nails of residents living in Akaki-Kality Sub-City in the downstream, as compared to those living in Gullele Sub-City in the upstream of the Akaki catchment. Samples were taken and subsequently analysed for metals using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As in nails from Akaki-Kality were 488 ± 49, 106 ± 10, 5.2 ± 0.3, 13 ± 1.5, 11 ± 8, 2.2 ± 0.3, 0.09 ± 0.01, and 0.16 ± 0.01 μg/g, respectively. Likewise, the concentrations of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and As in nails from Gullele were 1035 ± 135, 251 ± 10, 6.6 ± 0.4, 31 ± 3.7, 7.4 ± 1.7, 2.0 ± 0.3, 0.63 ± 0.01, and 0.25 ± 0.01 μg/g, respectively. Co and Cd were not detected. Contrary to the initial hypothesis, higher metal levels were found in nails of residents living in the upstream rather than the downstream area of the catchment. In particular, the concentrations of Fe (p = 0.000), Zn (p = 0.01), and Mn (p = 0.000) were significantly elevated in nails from Gullele and also high in comparison with internationally reported values. Besides, geography and social factors, especially education level, correlated to trace metals in nails. Most of the elements were significantly lower in the nails of individuals with a university degree compared to those who were illiterate or only completed primary school.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bitew K Dessie
- Water and Land Resource Centre, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - Bewketu Mehari
- College of Natural and Computational Sciences, University of Gondar, P.O. Box 196, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Sirak Robele Gari
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adane Mihret
- Armauer Hansen Research Institute, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Adey F Desta
- Department of Microbial, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Samuel Melaku
- Department of Chemistry, Columbus State University, 4225 University Avenue, Columbus, GA, 31907, USA
| | - Tena Alamirew
- Water and Land Resource Centre, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Ethiopian Institute of Water Resources, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Claire L Walsh
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - David Werner
- School of Engineering, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Gete Zeleke
- Water and Land Resource Centre, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
An Investigation for Heavy Metals’ Contamination in Farmers’ Fingernails: Case Study in Libya. J CHEM-NY 2022. [DOI: 10.1155/2022/5102599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aims to assess the concentration levels of heavy metals, which are associated with health hazards: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) among Libyan farmers using fingernails as a biomarker. Factors that may contribute for accumulation of these toxic heavy metals in the farmers’ fingernails were also evaluated. This cross-sectional study involved 127 farmers and 25 high school teachers living in the same geographical area as the farmers (served as the control group). Fingernail samples of the participants were collected, treated, and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for As, Cd, and Pb contents after microwave acid digestion. Results of this study indicated that the concentration levels of the investigated heavy metals in fingernail samples of both participating farmers and control group were in order of Pb > Cd > As. Also, the results showed that As, Cd, and Pb levels in the farmers’ fingernails were found to be higher than in the control group by about 9-, 5-, and 2-fold, respectively. This difference for all heavy metals analyzed was found to be statistically significant
. As a conclusion, the results of this study clearly indicated that Libyan farmers have been exposed to high levels of toxic heavy metals as a result of their agricultural activities compared with the general population living in the same geographical area as farmers, which, in turn, pose a high risk to their health. Thus, toxicological, epidemiological, and clinical studies for the Libyan farmers are strongly recommended.
Collapse
|
7
|
Adult Exposures to Toxic Trace Elements as Measured in Nails along the Interoceanic Highway in the Peruvian Amazon. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106335. [PMID: 35627872 PMCID: PMC9142029 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Deforestation, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), and the rapid development related to highway expansion cause opportunities for toxic trace element exposure in the Amazon region of Madre de Dios (MDD), Peru, one of the most biologically diverse places in the world. The objective of this study was to assess the exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury among adults in Madre de Dios. In total, 418 adult (18+ years) participants in the Investigacion de Migracion, Ambiente, y Salud (IMAS) (Migration, Environment, and Health Study) participated in this study. Consent, survey data, and biospecimens were collected between August and November 2014. Nail elements were measured by inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry. Differences by selected individual and household characteristics and local land uses were tested using one-way ANOVAs and linear mixed models. Adults in ASGM-affected areas had higher nail arsenic and nail cadmium than their non-ASGM counterparts. Higher household fish consumption was positively associated with nail mercury and nail lead. The results indicate that adult exposure to arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury is heterogeneous across Madre de Dios, and the exposures related to ASGM communities and fish consumption suggest that exposures from artisanal and small-scale mining are environmentally widespread. Further investigation is warranted to ascertain potential health impacts.
Collapse
|
8
|
Olympio K, Ferreira A, Rodrigues M, Luz MS, Albuquerque L, Barbosa J, Cardoso M, Oliveira PV, Buzalaf M. Are fingernail lead levels a reliable biomarker of lead internal dose? J Trace Elem Med Biol 2020; 62:126576. [PMID: 32540742 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2020.126576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Potentially toxic elements, such as lead, can bioaccumulate and alter human physiology. Human biomonitoring is an essential tool to evaluate chemical exposures in different biological matrices (blood, urine, saliva, nails, and hair). Of these biological matrices, nails are favorable for their ease of sampling, transport and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate possible correlations between blood lead levels (BLL) and washed and non-washed fingernail lead levels (FLL) in 55 adults living in a lead-contaminated area. METHOD Venous blood and fingernail (thumbs and forefingers) samples were collected. Nails from the left hand were washed with Triton X-100 (0.5 % m/v) and HNO3 solution, while nails from the right hand were not submitted to the pre-analytical procedures. Samples were analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and pairwise correlations were used to correlate lead concentrations between BLL and FLL; nails from fingers of the same hand and between washed and unwashed fingernails. Principal component analysis was performed and scatter diagrams were plotted to investigate correlations. RESULTS A non-significant positive correlation was found between BLL and washed forefinger nails lead (r = 0.219, p = 0.112) and between BLL and thumbnail lead levels (r = 0.182, p = 0.191). Comparison of fingernails from the same hand (thumb and forefinger), showed that lead concentrations of non-washed nails varied widely, even on analyses of transversal fragments from the same nail. Lead levels in non-washed forefinger nails were not correlated with non-washed thumbnails (r = 0.169, p = 0.219). Conversely, washed thumb and forefinger nails were found to be correlated (r = 0.39, p = 0.003). Washed and non-washed nails were also found to be correlated (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION In conclusion, the results showed that non-washed nails are not a reliable biomarker for lead exposure. Although washing nails before analysis may reduce external contamination, the correlation of lead concentrations between fingers is poor for fingernail lead levels to serve as an internal dose biomarker to lead exposure. In addition, levels in washed nails were not significantly correlated with blood lead levels. Fingernail lead levels seem to serve as an indicator of lead exposure sources in contact with the individual, but not as a reliable biomarker of internal dose.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kpk Olympio
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Apss Ferreira
- Departamento de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mhc Rodrigues
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, Alameda Otávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Vila Nova Cidade Universitária, CEP 17012-901, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
| | - M S Luz
- Centro de Tecnologia em Metalurgia e Materiais/Laboratório de Processos Metalúrgicos (CTMM/LPM), Instituto de Pesquisas Tecnológicas do Estado de São Paulo (IPT), Av. Prof. Almeida Prado, 532, Cidade Universitária, Butantã, CEP 05508-901, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lgr Albuquerque
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Universitária, Butantã, CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Analytical Laboratory, Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 1625, MS 6140, Idaho Falls, ID, 83415, USA.
| | - JrF Barbosa
- Laboratório de Toxicologia e Essencialidade de Metais, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Av do Café, S/N, CEP 14049-903, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mra Cardoso
- Departamento de Epidemiologia, Faculdade de Saúde Pública, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 715, Cerqueira César, CEP 01246-904, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - P V Oliveira
- Departamento de Química Fundamental, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 748, Cidade Universitária, Butantã, CEP 05508-000, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mar Buzalaf
- Departamento de Ciências Biológicas, Faculdade de Odontologia de Bauru, Universidade de São Paulo, Alameda Otávio Pinheiro Brisolla, 9-75, Vila Nova Cidade Universitária, CEP 17012-901, Bauru, SP, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
NGAU LAURADINES, WEE BOONSIONG, SALIM NAZARATULASHIFAABD. Trace Element Assessment in Fingernails of Adult Females. TRENDS IN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH 2018; 1:a8-15. [DOI: 10.33736/tur.1135.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Trace elements play a significant role in giving nutritional benefits to the body because they act as essential cofactors for all physiological processes. However, there are some trace elements which may bring more harm than good when entering the human body. Due to its ability to incorporate trace elements in an amount that is proportional to an individual’s dietary intake and environmental exposure, human fingernails are suitable biomarkers in assessing the health status of an individual as they reflect on the trace element concentration present in the body. This study has analysed fingernail samples of 23 adult females residing in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak, Malaysia for four elements, namely Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. By using flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), the mean elemental concentrations found in fingernail samples of research participants were 171.8 ± 33.8 μg/g for Zn, 27.8 ± 14.8 μg/g for Cu and 2.64 ± 0.94 μg/g for Pb. Cd concentrations were not able to be detected as they were below the detection limits. A standard reference material, NIST 1568b Rice Flour was used to verify the methods used in elemental analysis using FAAS. Independent t-test which was used to compare the means of Zn and Cu between vegetarians and non-vegetarians showed no significant differences for both elements. Moreover, correlation analysis showed negative correlations between Cu/Zn pair and Pb/Zn pair, whereas significant positive correlation was obtained for Cu/Pb pair. The overall data from this study showed good agreements with data obtained from studies in other countries. Therefore, the current data in this study represents the latest background elemental concentrations in fingernails of the residents in Kuching and Kota Samarahan, Sarawak.Keywords: Adult females, fingernails, flame atomic absorption spectroscopy (FAAS), trace elements
Collapse
|
10
|
da Silveira Fleck A, Carneiro MFH, Barbosa F, Amantea SL, Rhoden CR. The use of tree barks and human fingernails for monitoring metal levels in urban areas of different population densities of Porto Alegre, Brazil. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:2433-2441. [PMID: 27817142 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-016-7832-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of tree barks as a bioindicator of atmospheric pollution in areas of contrasting population densities and to associate the levels of elements found in this bioindicator with those obtained in fingernail samples collected from students living in the same study areas. Tree bark samples were collected from urban areas near highways in regions with high (Area A), intermediate (Area B), and low (Area C) population densities of Porto Alegre, Brazil, and evaluated for chemical elements concentration. Since these areas also differed in traffic density, NO2 was measured by passive sampling. For a comparative purpose, the elements were also determined in fingernail samples collected from students living in the same areas. Accumulated elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and principal component analysis (PCA) was used as a tool in exploratory data analysis to identify possible sources. We found that Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, V, and Zn were at higher concentrations in tree barks in Area A, while Cd, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, and Sr were at higher levels in students' fingernails of Area A as well. Furthermore, concentrations of elements found in barks were associated with those identified in fingernails collected from students living in the same areas. PCA demonstrated that vehicular traffic explained 66.4 % of the variance in tree bark and 50.8 % of the variance in fingernails. NO2 levels were significantly different among the areas, what is consistent with their respective vehicular flow and population density. In conclusion, we found conformance of elements levels accumulated in barks and fingernails at three monitoring areas with different profiles. The amount of traffic-related elements accumulated appears to be associated with the degree of urbanization and vehicular flow. Overall, data suggests a relationship between fingernails and tree bark as bioindicators of exposure to metals from air pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alan da Silveira Fleck
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Maria Fernanda Hornos Carneiro
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metals Essentiality, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo University, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-903, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metals Essentiality, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, Sao Paulo University, Av. do Café s/n, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, 14049-903, Brazil
| | - Sergio Luis Amantea
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Claudia Ramos Rhoden
- Laboratory of Atmospheric Pollution and Oxidative Stress, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Rua Sarmento Leite, 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Soils of Esfarayen City, Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2016. [DOI: 10.5812/jhealthscope.39703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
|
12
|
Mohseni-Bandpei A, Ashrafi SD, Kamani H, Paseban A. Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Soils of Esfarayen City, Iran. HEALTH SCOPE 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jhealthscope-39703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022]
|
13
|
Appel AS, Logue BA. Analysis of nerve agent metabolites from nail clippings by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2016; 1031:116-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2016.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
|