Detection of trace element levels in biological samples of drug abuser: Halani Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Illicit drug use has become a global issue, posing significant health, socioeconomic, and cultural risks. The study examined essential trace metal selenium, zinc and copper in blood concentrations, serum and scalp hair samples, from male 240 drug-abuse subjects/patients aged 18–45 categorized into three age groups. The study compared 45 healthy subjects of the same age group using an acid-digestion method supported during sample preparation a microwave oven. The technique atomic-absorption spectrophotometry was employed to identify essential and toxic elements, utilizing certified reference materials for accuracy. Drug abusers' Se and Zn concentrations are lower than those of referent subjects, potentially increasing vulnerability to infection due to poor nutritional status or other contaminants.