Trace element profiles of human hair samples collected from a non-occupationally unexposed population in Nagbhid, Maharashtra (India)

The present study demonstrates; mean concentrations of trace elements in the hair samples collected amongst the occupationally and environmentally unexposed human population residing in Nagbhid taluka of Chandtapur district in Maharashtra (India) shows the following order for male subjects: Zn>Fe>Cu>Co>Ni>Mn>Cr>Cd>Pb>As>Hg; while in female subject, values of Arsenic (As) are slightly higher than lead (Pb). The elemental analysis of hair samples indicates zinc (Zn) as the most abundant trace element, while mercury (Hg) as least found trace element. Defining baseline levels of trace elements in hair and nail samples for the general unexposed human populations is challenging due to significant variability based on factors such as geographical locality, diet, age, and sex of individuals. Therefore, a single normal range does not exist, and multiple reports different mean concentrations for a non-occupationally exposed or control group populations can serve as a reference rage for the purpose of comparison with values from exposed population The values of trace elements in hair samples obtained by Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) in present study will act as baseline reference values for further studies to assess the impact of pollution due to industries and mining activities in Chandrapur district