Background: This study explores the regional variations in toxic metal accumulation among RUDN University students from various global regions.
Methods: This comparative analysis examined hair samples from students hailing from different regions, including Russia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. The concentrations of Aluminium (Al), Arsenic (As), Cadmium (Cd), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), and Tin (Sn) were measured in the hair samples. The data was then evaluated using regression models to assess the link between the region of residence and toxic metal content in the hair.
Results: The analysis indicated significant regional variations in the levels of toxic metals in the students' hair. The highest content of Al, Cd, and Pb was observed in students from Africa (13.542, 0.028, 0.794 µg/g) and Latin America (9.947, 0.025, 0.435 µg/g). Arsenic levels in students from all regions exceeded that of Russian students by over two-fold. No substantial group differences were found in the Sn content. The regression models suggested that residing in Asia, Africa, and Latin America was a predictor of high Hg levels in hair (0.130, 0.096, 0.227 µg/g). Living in Africa was significantly associated with higher Pb levels (0.794 µg/g), and living in Latin America was close to significantly associated with the Cd level in the hair (0.025 µg/g).
Conclusion: This study confirmed an increased accumulation of toxic metals, especially Hg, Cd, and Pb, in students primarily from Latin America and Africa. The findings highlighted the importance of understanding the regional variations in toxic metal accumulation to address associated health risks and the potential impact on students' well-being and academic performance. These insights may guide the development of targeted interventions to reduce exposure to toxic metals in students from various regions around the world.
Keywords: Aluminum; Arsenic; Cadmium; Lead; Mercury; Tin.
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