Biological application of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy technique for determination of trace elements in hair.

This research explains the use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) for identifying trace elements in horse hair, potentially reflecting the animal’s nutritional status and environmental exposure during hair growth.

Introduction

• The researchers focus on the biological application of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) to detect trace elements in mammalian hair, specifically in this case, horse hair. Trace elements in the hair can provide retrospective insights into an individual’s nutritional status and environmental exposure, as these elements are integrated into the hair during its growth phase.

Methodology

• The research uses the LIBS technique to identify eight trace elements – sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), silicon (Si), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) – from a single strand of horse hair.
• Results were compared to those obtained from the conventional technique, Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), performed on the same samples but in a digested acidified solution.
• The study also evaluated the effects of different experimental parameters on the emission lines and investigated the local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) in the created plasma.

Findings

• The researchers observed a specific point in time (1500-2000 nanoseconds) in the evolution of the plasma that demonstrated dynamic expanding characteristics and corroborated the temporary condition of the plasma.
• On setting the level of carbon (C) as the calibration, the relative mass concentrations of iron and zinc were calculated.

Conclusion

• The findings from the study emphasize horse hair’s potential as a biomarker, owing to the trace elements’ spectra identified from the hair using the LIBS technique. This points to the potential use of this technique in broader contexts, such as veterinary or human health applications, nutrition science, and environmental research.