Influence of the coat color on the trace elemental status measured by particle-induced X-ray emission in horse hair.

This research study investigates the effect of hair color on the trace elemental content of horse hair, using particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) as an analytical technique.

Research Context and Methodology

• The study embarks on a novel investigation into the relationship between horse hair color and the quantity of trace elements found in the hair, applying a widely accepted and efficient PIXE analysis procedure.
• TWenty-eight distinct elements – Aluminum (Al), Bromine (Br), Calcium (Ca), Chlorine (Cl), Cobalt (Co), Copper (Cu), Chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), Gallium (Ga), Mercury (Hg), Potassium (K), Magnesium (Mg), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Sodium (Na), Niobium (Nb), Nickel (Ni), Phosphorus (P), Lead (Pb), Rubidium (Rb), Sulfuru (S), Selenium (Se), Silicon (Si), Strontium (Sr), Titanium (Ti), Vanadium (V), Yttrium (Y), and Zinc (Zn) – were pinpointed in horse mane hair with the aid of this analytical approach.

Research Findings

• Grey horse hairs exhibited a significantly higher content of Cu, Ti, and Zn, and markedly lower quantities of Br, Ca, Se, and Sr, compared to hairs of different colors.
• The discovery that hair color can influence trace elemental status is in line with previous findings derived from the study of human and dog hair.

Implications of the Study

• The findings provide vital insights into the impact of hair color, especially grey, on the levels of specific elements in horse hair. This knowledge could help improve the interpretation of future research.
• Understanding these influences could prove advantageous for equine diagnostics and healthcare, especially since hair is a non-invasive and cost-effective material for trace metal analysis.