ISSN 2326-7291
International Journal of Public Health and Epidemiology ISSN 2326-7291 Vol. 8 (12), pp. 001-007, December, 2019. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Chromium and copper in toenails of some Kano inhabitants
J. T. Ayodele* and I. C. Ajala
Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, Bayero University, P. M. B. 3011, Kano, Nigeria.
Accepted 20 October, 2019
Abstract
Toenail chromium and copper concentrations in toenails of some inhabitants resident in Kano for at least six months were assessed by atomic absorption spectrometry. Average toenail chromium and copper concentrations were 1.33 ± 0.68 and 27.62 ± 13.29 µg/g respectively. Both chromium and copper concentrations in nails decreased with age indicating that these metals may be playing some physiological functions during the formative years. Their concentrations were inversely related to age with approximate average of 10% decline with each decade of age.
Key words: Chromium, copper, toenails, Kano, Nigeria.