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

Copyright © 2013 Sayo O. Fakayode et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution Li-cense, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The analysis of trace elements in human hair for use as biomarkers continues to generate considerable interest in envi-ronmental and bioanalytical studies, medical diagnostics, and forensic science. This study investigated the concentra-tions 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. Addition-ally, 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 includ-ing, atherosclerosis, hypertension, insulin sensitivity, and pancreatic cancer, were calculated. The overall mean concen-trations 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 concen-trations obtained for each element. However, levels of Cd and Pb elements of <0.030 µg/g were detected in hair sample