Concentrations of heavy metals in hair as indicators of environmental pollution

Abstract

Over 80 hair samples were collected from 38% males and 62% females in Krakow, Poland. The hairs sampled for the analysis were washed in the water-acetone-water arrangement (three times). Subsequently the hair samples were wet mineralized in a closed system HNO3:H2O2 (6:1) in a microwave furnace. Concentrations of Zn, Pb and Cd were assessed by means of ICP-OES method. Obtained results of analysis of heavy metal concentrations in the hair of tested population of Krakow inhabitants evidence environmental hazard (beside professional hazard)We observed that the hair of females showed higher levels of zinc and cadmium. Hair analysis allows for an assessment of the natural environment contamination, which is particularly important for the research on populations inhabiting areas with different degree of pollution.

Keywords

• hair
• heavy metals
• environment pollution
• biomarkers