Determination of heavy metals concentration in scalp hair of fisherman from Shif Island (Bushehr)

Measurment of metals concentrations in scalp hair is a well known method for monitoring exposure to heavy metals, assessment of heavy metal poisoning, evaluation of nutrient levels and diagnoses of diseases. The present research was conducted to evaluate the concentrations of heavy metals in the scalp hairs of the local fishermen from Shif Island (Bushehr) and assess the effect of various factors on heavy metals levels in hair.
Thirty hair sampls were collected from fishermen of Shif Island. After sample preparation and chemical digestion, the heavy metals were analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. The information required to evaluate the exposure was obtained via a questionnaire that was distributed among the fishermen.
The concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, and Ni were 72.79, 148.11, 8.6, 4.72, and 19.71 mg/kg, respectively. There were significant correlations among Zn, Mn, and Ni. In addition, the results showed that use of hair colour increased the metal concentrations.
Our findings recommend that the population of Shif area and neighbouring county may be exposed to some of these heavy metals, particularly Ni that is an industrial and oil pollutant. The most likely exposure pathways seemed to be fish consumption; however, more detailed studies should be performed.