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Trace elements in human scalp hair and soil in irian jaya

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Abstract

Pb, Cd, and Ni contents were determined in the scalp hair of the Asmat of Irian Jaya (Indonesian New Guinea) on 35 adult subjects. These data are presented together with those of Al, Ca, Ti, Fe, Cu, Zn and Sr, which were determined in previous research on the same group. Hair samples were analyzed by EDXRS and ICP. Trace elements were also determined in 12 soil samples from the same area by EDXRS (Al, Si, K, Ca, Fe) and ICP (Cu, Sr, Ti), and by AAS (Cd, Ni, Pb). When hair element levels are compared and discussed with those of other New Guinea populations, acculturated and nonacculturated tropical groups, populations from Western countries and from polluted areas, and “recommended levels” in the literature, they greatly exceed Western levels and generally fit those of other New Guinea populations, stressing the importance of common environment, subsistence, and behavior. The results of soil analyses are consistent with the presence of those elements in hair, and their quantitative distribution follows a common trend. Metal mobility in soil, patterns of absorption, and transfer from soil to plants and to humans are considered here.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Zoology, University of Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70125, Bari

    Mila Tommaseo Ponzetta

  2. Department of Agricultural Biotechnologies, University of Padova, 35020, Agripolis, Legnaro

    Serenella Nardi

  3. Department of Mechanical and Management Innovation, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova

    Irene Calliari

  4. Environmental Public Health Laboratory, Via della Acque 28, 33170, Pordenone, Italy

    Mirco Lucchese

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  1. Mila Tommaseo Ponzetta
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  4. Mirco Lucchese
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Ponzetta, M.T., Nardi, S., Calliari, I. et al. Trace elements in human scalp hair and soil in irian jaya. Biol Trace Elem Res 62, 199–212 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02783971

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