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Determination of Select Trace Elements in Hair of College Students in Jinzhou, China

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Abstract

Select trace elements (Fe, Cu, Zn, Al, K, Na, Ba, Sb, Pb, As) were determined by ICP-AES after nitric acid–perchloric acid wet digestion in samples of scalp hair of University students. Some metal-to-metal intercorrelations were found. The more often the hair was dyed and marcelled, the higher were the contents of iron, copper, potassium, sodium, barium, lead, and arsenic. Copper levels increased with the degree of myopia, while zinc, lead, aluminum, iron, and potassium decreased with the myopic degree. Copper, zinc, iron, and arsenic levels were lower in white hair, while sodium and lead were higher. The levels of the elements were generally higher in the hair samples of students who drink and smoke. The hair metal contents were found to be influenced by alcohol use and smoking. Hair element analyses thus could be used as noninvasive means of detecting unhealthy lifestyles in college students.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Food Safety, Bohai University, Jinzhou, Liaoning, 121013, People’s Republic of China

    Yanrong Cai

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  1. Yanrong Cai
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Correspondence to Yanrong Cai.

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Cai, Y. Determination of Select Trace Elements in Hair of College Students in Jinzhou, China. Biol Trace Elem Res 144, 469–474 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-011-9145-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-011-9145-3

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