Quantitative analysis of the content of manganese in the hair of the population of the administrative centre of Gorny Altai

Abstract

Introduction. The dual value of manganese (Mn) for the human body is due to its need for low concentrations for many physiological processes and toxicity in excess intake and accumulation in the tissues. The intake of Mn in the body in concentrations exceeding the physiological norm occurs mainly by inhalation and extremely rarely by absorption through the intestine, so atmospheric air pollution is considered one of the most likely causes of the development of Mn hypermicroelementosis. Materials and methods. The quantitative content of Mn in the hair of the population of Gorno-Altaisk was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry to analyze the reference values and detect trace elements. Results. Hypomicroelementosis was detected in 3.3% of residents of Gorno-Altaisk, mainly in the age group of 4-17 years, hypermicroelementosis was detected in 17% of residents, mostly in the older age group. The reference values of the Mn concentration of the residents of Gorno-Altaisk (2.37 mg/kg) are close to the data of Japan (2.4 mg/kg) and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug (1.8-12.9 mg/kg). Thus, the reference values of the Mn concentration of the surveyed population of Gorno-Altaisk are close to the indices of large industrial regions. Limitations. The intake of Mn with particles from solid and liquid fuel emissions suspended in the air by residents was not evaluated. Conclusion. Against the background of the low industrial load in Gorno-Altaisk, the problem of widespread use of solid fossil fuels remains relevant. Due to the burning of coal, the atmospheric air is polluted with a wide range of heavy metals, including an increased content of Mn. The geographical features of the city cause poor self-cleaning of the air basin an increased concentration of pollutants in the atmospheric air, which increases the risk of hypermicroelementosis. The results of this study indicate the need to improve the level of ecological culture of the population of Gorno-Altaisk and completely abandon the use of solid fossil fuels.