The concentrations of heavy metals, zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, mercury, iron and calcium concentrations in human head hair of a randomly selected sample of Kenyan people

Abstract

An intercomparative analysis of the concentration of heavy metals: zinc, cadmium, lead, copper, mercury, iron and calcium in head hair of a randomly selected sample of Kenyan people using the techniques of atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPAS) has been undertaken. The per cent relative standard deviation for each sample analysed using either of the techniques show good sensitivity and correlation between the techniques. The DPAS was found to be slightly more sensitive than the AAS instrument used. The recalculated body burden ratios of Cd to Zn, Pb to Fe reveal no unusual health impairment symptoms and suggest a relatively clean environment in Kenya.