Application of fingernail samples as a biomarker for human exposure to arsenic-contaminated drinking waters

Abstract

This study evaluated the relationship between arsenic uptake via drinking water ingestion and arsenic concentration in fingernails as a biomarker for human exposure. For this purpose, we collected fingernail samples from 40 healthy participants of arsenic-affected rural regions of Kaboudrahang County, the west of Iran. A total of 49 fingernail samples were also collected from individuals who lived in areas where contamination of drinking water sources with arsenic had not been reported. It was found that the fingernails arsenic contents in 50 and 4.08% of the samples collected from arsenic-contaminated and reference villages were higher than the normal arsenic values of nails (0.43–1.08 µg/g), respectively. Based on the results of adjusted multiple linear regression, a significant association was found between groundwater and fingernails arsenic concentration (p < 0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant association was shown between arsenic in the fingernail samples and gender (p = 0.037). Fingernails arsenic contents were not significantly affected by other variables including age, smoking habits, and BMI (p > 0.05). In light of the results of this study, the use of biological indicators such as fingernail tissues due to easier sampling and less risk of external contamination is suitable for assessing exposure to heavy metals in contaminated areas.

Exploring the Interplay between Arsenic and Cutaneous Physiology, Pathology, and Regeneration

“…In addition to the 40 healthy participants from the arsenic-affected rural areas of Iran, 49 fingernail samples were also collected from people who lived in areas where drinking water sources had not been reported to be contaminated with arsenic. It was found that the fingernail arsenic contents in 50 and 4.08% of the samples taken from arsenic-contaminated and reference villages were higher than the typical arsenic values of nails (0.43-1.08 g/g) [63]. The measurement of total arsenic in nails can be performed using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) technique [64].…”