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Comparison of Digestion Methods for Trace Elements in Hair and Nails

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Journal name: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
Original article title: Comparison of Digestion Methods for the Determination of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Human Hair and Nails
The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences (MJMS) is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published online at least six times a year. It covers all aspects of medical sciences and prioritizes high-quality research.
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Original source:

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Author:

Ismarulyusda Ishak, Farah Dayana Rosli, Jamaludin Mohamed, Muhammad Faiz Mohd Ismail


The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences:

(A peer-reviewed, open-access journal)

Full text available for: Comparison of Digestion Methods for the Determination of Trace Elements and Heavy Metals in Human Hair and Nails

Year: 2015

Copyright (license): CC BY 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Trace elements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) play crucial roles in various human biochemical processes. Their imbalance—either deficiency or excess—can lead to significant health issues. Therefore, accurately determining the concentrations of these elements in biological samples like hair and nails is essential for nutritional assessments and monitoring environmental exposures. This study focuses on comparing three non-automated digestion methods—wet acid digestion using nitric acid (HNO�) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O�), wet acid digestion using only HNO�, and a dry ashing method—utilized to analyze hair and nail samples for these trace elements.

Method Effectiveness

Comparison of Digestion Methods
The study revealed significant variances in element concentrations across different digestion methods, particularly in hair samples, where the combination of HNO� and H₂O� yielded the highest precision and accuracy. For hair samples, wet acid digestion using HNO� and H₂O� showed consistent relative standard deviation (RSD) values of less than 5% for most elements, except for selenium, which had higher variability. In contrast, the dry ashing method demonstrated inferior precision, particularly for selenium, which can be attributed to its tendency to volatilize at high temperatures. Moreover, both wet acid methods provided comparable results, but the mixture of HNO� and H₂O� showed better recovery percentages for manganese and magnesium, reinforcing the effectiveness of this digestion approach.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the research findings suggest that wet acid digestion using HNO� and H₂O� is the most reliable method for accurately determining trace elements in hair and nail samples, given its higher precision, accuracy, and reduced contamination risk compared to the other methods studied. Although both manganese and magnesium demonstrated satisfactory recovery rates, the results indicate potential areas of improvement for sample preparation to enhance analytical performance. Overall, these insights can guide future research in selecting appropriate digestion methods for trace elemental analysis while considering the complexities of contamination and recovery in biological samples.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What are the main methods for digesting hair and nail samples?

The main digestion methods compared in the study were wet acid digestion using nitric acid (HNO3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), wet acid digestion using only HNO3, and the dry ash method.

Which digestion method showed the best results in this study?

Wet acid digestion using HNO3 and H2O2 proved to be the best method, showing high precision, accuracy, and good recovery for manganese (Mn) and magnesium (Mg), along with lower method detection limits (MDL).

How do hair and nail samples differ in contamination risk?

Hair samples were more prone to contamination from external sources such as dust and oils, while nail samples showed more consistent trace element levels, leading to less interference during analysis.

What role do trace elements play in human health?

Trace elements such as copper (Cu), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) are essential for various biochemical processes in the body, and their deficiency or excess can significantly impact health.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Comparison of Digestion Methods for Trace Elements in Hair and Nails�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
In scientific research, a table typically organizes data systematically to facilitate comparison and understanding. Tables can present complex information simply and clearly, allowing for quick reference to findings such as elements concentrated in different samples. They are vital for summarizing results in a study to support conclusions effectively.

2) Hair:
Hair is a biological sample often used in studies assessing trace elements in humans. It serves as a non-invasive medium for detecting exposure to heavy metals and environmental pollutants. The analysis of hair provides valuable insights into long-term exposure risks, making it essential in health and environmental studies.

3) Study (Studying):
A study systematically investigates a specific hypothesis or research question. It lays the foundation for scientific inquiry, allowing researchers to gather and analyze data related to their topic. In this context, the study examines digestion methods to compare their efficacy in analyzing trace elements in biological samples like hair and nails.

4) Rules:
In the realm of scientific research, rules outline the methods and principles that guide experimentation and analysis. They ensure experiments are conducted systematically and that findings are credible and repeatable. Rules also encompass ethical considerations and safety procedures, particularly important when handling biological samples and hazardous materials.

5) Water:
Water is a critical solvent in chemical analysis and digestion processes. It plays a vital role in preparing samples, as it can dissolve various substances, making elements detectable. In the context of trace element studies, deionised water is preferred to minimize contamination, ensuring accurate measurement of elemental concentrations in samples.

6) Pur:
In research terminology, 'poor' typically refers to inadequate performance or outcomes. For instance, a method may show poor precision or accuracy if the results are not consistent or do not align with expectations. The identification of poor results drives the need for method optimization and improvements in scientific study protocols.

7) Relative:
Relative measurements compare one value to another, providing context to the data. In analytical chemistry, relative standard deviation is often used to assess precision, indicating how reproducible results are. Understanding relative values enables researchers to evaluate the performance of different methods used for analyzing samples, such as hair and nails.

8) Performance:
Performance in a scientific context evaluates how effectively a method or process achieves its intended results. It encompasses various aspects such as accuracy, precision, and reliability. In the study of digestion methods for trace elements, performance assessments determine which method provides consistent and valid results for analyzing biological samples.

9) Measurement:
Measurement is the cornerstone of scientific experimentation, providing quantified insights into the properties of substances being studied. Accurate measurement is essential for analyzing trace elements in samples. It enables researchers to determine concentrations and draw conclusions about exposure levels and biological effects, essential for health assessments and regulatory compliance.

10) Quality:
Quality in research refers to the overall standard of the methodology and results. High-quality procedures yield reliable and valid findings, crucial for supporting scientific conclusions. In trace element analysis, quality assurance processes ensure that methods maintain consistency and accuracy, reducing the risk of contamination or inaccuracies in measurements.

11) Animal:
Animal models are often used in research to investigate biological processes and disease mechanisms. They provide insights into how specific substances, like trace elements, affect physiology. This is relevant for understanding human health, as studies on animal samples can reveal critical information about exposure to toxins and their potential health implications.

12) Blood:
Blood is a frequently analyzed biological fluid for understanding nutrient status and toxic exposure. However, hair and nails are often preferred for trace element studies due to their non-invasive collection. Analyzing blood offers insights into short-term exposure, while hair and nails provide a retrospective view of environmental interactions over time.

13) Wall:
In the context of analytical chemistry, wall refers to the surfaces of containers used in experiments. Adsorption onto the wall can lead to measurement inaccuracies if trace elements stick to these surfaces, especially in the open digestion processes. Researchers must consider potential losses of analytes due to wall interactions during analysis.

14) Calculation:
Calculation in scientific research involves applying mathematical methods to analyze data and determine significant relationships between variables. It allows researchers to derive values like concentrations, recovery percentages, and statistical significance. Precise calculations are necessary for interpreting results accurately, particularly in quantifying trace elements in biological samples using complex methods.

15) Reliability:
Reliability refers to the consistency of research results across multiple trials or tests. High reliability indicates that the findings can be trusted to represent true effects, crucial in confirming the effectiveness of the methods used in trace element analysis. It directly influences the credibility and acceptance of the research findings in the scientific community.

16) Substance:
A substance is any material with distinct chemical properties and composition that can be analyzed. In the context of this study, substances include chemical elements extracted from biological samples like hair and nails. Their analysis is crucial for understanding exposure levels to toxic elements and their potential health impacts.

17) Heating:
Heating is a process often utilized in digestion methods to break down complex biological materials into simpler forms for element analysis. Proper temperature control during heating prevents loss of volatile elements and ensures complete digestion, which is essential for accurate determination of trace elements in samples under investigation.

18) Balaji:
Balaji refers to one of the authors whose work contributes to the body of research surrounding trace element analysis and the evaluation of digestion methods. Contributions from various researchers like Balaji underscore the collaborative nature of scientific inquiry, fostering advancements in methodologies and improving accuracy in analytical results.

19) Glass:
Glass is commonly used in laboratory apparatus, such as beakers and test tubes, for chemical analysis. Its non-reactive properties make glass ideal for containing and heating samples during digestion. However, the potential for adsorption of trace elements onto glass surfaces necessitates careful handling to ensure accurate measurement of analytes.

20) Field:
Field studies involve observations and data collection in natural environments, often complementing laboratory research. In trace element analysis, field studies provide contextual understanding of exposure levels to specific substances. Insights gained from the field are crucial for assessing the real-world implications of findings from controlled laboratory experiments.

21) Earth:
Earth as a context can refer to the planetary origin of the trace elements of interest, their natural abundance, and their potential environmental impact. Understanding how elements interact with the Earth’s systems assists researchers in evaluating anthropogenic contributions to element concentrations, informing public health and environmental policies accordingly.

22) Cina:
China is mentioned in the context of trace element research, indicating geographical relevance in studies assessing nutritional and environmental exposures. Research conducted here contributes to global understanding of elemental distributions and health implications, highlighting the importance of local contexts in interpreting findings from biological sample analysis.

23) Babu:
Babu is an author associated with the study highlighted, showcasing collaboration in research on trace elements in hair and nail analysis. The involvement of multiple researchers, such as Babu, enhances the study's credibility and provides diverse perspectives on methods and interpretations, fostering advancements in analytical techniques within the scientific community.

24) Wool:
Wool serves as an example of biological material that can be analyzed for trace elements, similar to hair and nails. Studies examining wool help enrich understanding of elemental absorption across different tissue types and environmental exposures, providing insight into agricultural and health implications linked to wool production and animal husbandry practices.

25) Food:
Food is a critical area of study in relation to trace element concentrations; it represents a primary source of elemental intake for humans. Investigating trace elements in food items helps identify dietary risks and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding food-related exposure informs health guidelines and policies aimed at enhancing public health outcomes.

26) Post:
In scientific literature, 'post' often refers to discussions or analyses following the presentation of findings. The post-analysis discussion can elucidate the implications of research results, contextualizing them within broader scientific discourse. It is essential for critiquing methodologies, identifying limitations, and suggesting areas for further exploration and inquiry.

27) Discussion:
Discussion sections in research papers synthesize findings, relate them to existing knowledge, and explore implications of results. They serve to interpret data beyond mere statistics, addressing the significance of outcomes, methodological limitations, and potential future directions for research. This critical evaluation enriches academic discourse and contributes to ongoing scientific dialogue.

28) Disease:
Disease refers to health conditions that may be influenced by trace element deficiencies or excesses. Understanding the relationship between trace elements and various diseases enables researchers to assess potential environmental and dietary risk factors. Investigating these connections is crucial for formulating public health interventions and preventative measures that address nutritional health.

29) Species:
Species in scientific research usually pertains to specific groups of organisms studied for their unique biological traits and responses to environmental factors. In the context of trace element analysis, distinguishing between species helps in understanding the ecological implications of elemental exposure, contributing to assessments of health impacts across different biological systems.

30) Science (Scientific):
Science represents the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experimentation. It encompasses various disciplines, including chemistry and biology, crucial for exploring trace elements. Scientific inquiry drives understanding of elemental interactions and impacts on organisms, paving the way for advancements in health, environmental policy, and public safety.

31) Reason:
Reasoning in scientific research involves logically deducing conclusions based on experimental evidence. Researchers employ reasoning to interpret data effectively and draw appropriate conclusions about the relationships observed. Clear rationale is essential in justifying methodologies, discussing implications, and suggesting future research avenues based on study findings and outcomes.

32) Marble:
Marble in the laboratory context may refer to the use of glass marbles or similar materials in digestion processes to promote mixing or provide insulation during heating. Utilizing materials like marble assists in achieving stable heating conditions, ensuring complete digestion of samples and enabling accurate results during elemental analysis.

33) Medium:
Medium in scientific contexts can refer to substances used for cultivating biological samples or solvents used for analysis. In the study of trace elements, the medium affects how samples interact with environments during experiments. The choice of medium is crucial for maintaining sample integrity and ensuring reproducibility in analytical results.

34) Cotton:
Cotton is often employed in laboratory settings for its absorbency, particularly in cleaning and maintaining sample integrity. Used in washing hair and nail samples, cotton helps remove external contaminants that could affect trace element analysis. It is crucial for ensuring that the analysis accurately reflects endogenous element levels.

35) Hand:
Hand indicates manual processes in laboratory work, suggesting tasks performed by researchers during sample collection or analysis. Manual handling requires precision and care, especially in trace element research, where contamination risk is high. Ensuring thorough protocol adherence during manual tasks is vital for consistent and accurate results in research.

36) Inci (Imci):
Inch refers to a unit of measurement often used in specifying lengths, such as in the collection of hair samples. Accurate measurement of sample lengths is critical for maintaining consistent sampling protocols. Precise measurement in studies is essential to relate findings accurately to biological significance and exposure assessments.

37) Soil:
Soil is a natural medium that interacts with trace elements from various sources, including agricultural practices and pollution. Understanding soil composition aids in evaluating environmental exposure risks to organisms, and trace element analysis of soil can reveal critical interactions affecting plant and animal health, making it a vital component in environmental studies.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: �Comparison of Digestion Methods for Trace Elements in Hair and Nails�. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Female student, Human error, Analytical method, Statistical analysis, Closed system, Significant difference, Moisture content, One-way ANOVA, Personal protective equipment, Environmental Contamination, Heavy metal, Analysis of variance, Biochemical processes, Nutritional Assessment, Chemical reagents, Percentage recovery, Method validation, Trace element, Relative standard deviation, Concentration levels, Standard solution, Percentage recoveries, Biological samples, Analytical performance, Analytical technique, Poor solubility, Digestion method, Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, Contamination Source, High recovery, Personal protective equipment (PPE), Microwave Digestion, Certified Reference Material, Turnaround time, Hair Samples, Post hoc Bonferroni test, Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), Analyte concentration, Between-run precision, Within-run precision, Volatile elements, Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry, Reference material, Sample preparation technique, Random error.

Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.

Hair and nail.

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