Levels of arsenic, cadmium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in human hair samples collected from Obuasi and its surrounding villages

In this study, levels of Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Iron, Lead and Zinc in Human Hair samples collected from Obuasi and its surrounding villages were determined by Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry after wet digestion with AnalaR HNO3. There were no clear distinct indications of variation of Cadmium. Copper, Iron, Lead and Zinc levels with duration of stay of the individual in the localities. However there was some correlation between levels of Arsenic and the duration of stay for some of the communities. The variation observed may be due to the amount of the metal in food, water and inhaled in air in the particular community. These may be dependent on the chemistry of the surrounding environment. Sushyenso recorded the highest mean Arsenic level of 37.6mgkg-1 and Wawase the least level of 5. 6mgkg-1. The highest Cadmium level of 43.3mgkg1 was recorded in an individual staying at the Estates. The highest Copper level of 68.7mgkg was recorded in an individual staying at the Obuasi Central Township. The highest Iron level of 1441.0gkg-1 was recorded' in an individual staying at the Obuasi Central That of Lead was 25.6 mgkg-1 in individual staying at Kwabrafoso and lastly that of Zinc was 642.8mgkg-1 also in an individual staying at Kwabrafo.(author)