Trace Elements Assessment in Human Nails in Eastern Sudan Using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy

Abstract

In the present work, elements concentration in fingernails samples of volunteers of different ages (males, females) were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) Perkin-Elmer, spectrophotometer. Fingernails samples of different groups were analyzed to determine the trace elements Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Co, Zn and Pb. Standards materials were prepared for concentration assessment that adjacent to samples from two cities in different location in eastern province of Sudan for elements concentrations finding. In addition, samples of hands fingernails and toenails were analyzed for comparison and method validation. Consequently, the significant levels of elements concentration in nails samples of Jabiat residents compared to Port Sudan resident’s area due to soil dispersion are supporting the possibility of external contamination. The data of component matrix and rotated component matrix of varimax normalization using principal component analysis revealed important predictors of nails elements Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn concentrations in soil of both areas under study. However, the Pb, Ni, Ca, and Co are possible to be indication of different sources associated with environmental contamination. The significant correlation and principal component analysis of the elements of nails concentrations in the two categories supported the probability of different expose environmental contamination.