Assay of Heavy Metals in Scalp Hair of Females Living in Misurata City, Libya

Abstract

Heavy metals are a class of non-biodegradable pollutants in the environment that can enter into human bodies through different routes, many of these metals are essential micronutrients (such as Fe, Cu and Zn), but they could be toxic at higher concentration, whereas some non-essential micronutrients (such as Cr, As, Cd and Pb) are toxic even at very low concentrations. 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. The objective of this research was to determine the concentrations of some essential and toxic elements as Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) using microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (MP−AES 4100) in human scalp hair obtained from selected 40 female samples living in Misurata, Libya.  And compare the results with certified normal value. The sample has been digested by acidic method. The average values of metals in hair were as follow (in μg/g): Fe (37.35), Zn (161), Cu (42.95), Cr (0.27), Pb (0.01). Chromium and lead concentration had the lowest value in the samples, zinc shows the highest concentration, while iron and cupper had a value in between the previous metals.