TRACE ELEMENTS IN MEDICINE (MOSCOW)
2015. 16(2): 47-51
ORIGINAL PAPERS

ELEMENTAL STATUS OF POPULATION IN A MINING REGION (ON THE EXAMPLE OF TRANSURAL REGION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BASHKORTOSTAN)

I.N. Semenova1,2,3, Yu.S. Rafikova1,3, I.V. Drovosekova3, E.R. Mullagulova1

1 Institute of Regional Researches of the Republic of Bashkortostan, Tsetkin str. 2, Sibay, 453830, Russia
2 Sibay Institute of Bashkir State University, Belova str. 21, Sibay, 453833, Russia
3 Central City Hospital, Belova str. 19, Sibay, 453833, Russia

DOI: 10.19112/2413-6174-2015-16-2-47-51 

ABSTRACT. On the territory of Transural region of the Republic of Bashkortostan there are a large number of deposits of polymetallic ores, which were developed for a long time and continue to be developed at the moment. Increased geochemical background, along with the intensity and duration of technogenic influence led to the formation of biogeochemical areas with high content in the environment of a number of toxic substances, including heavy metals. This has resulted in their accumulation in soil, water, vegetation and other components of the ecosystem including humans. Population living in this region is largely exposed to various toxic substances, which increases its morbidity. One of the reasons for this is an imbalance of vital elements, which leads to development of so-called diselementoses. We have investigated elemental composition of people’s hair in the Transural region of the Republic of Bashkortostan. Persons permanently residing in the study region were observed, totally 96 people: 28 children aged 3 to 14 years, 34 children aged 15-17 years and 34 adults over 18 years. Analytical work was carried out at the Centre for Biotic Medicine (Moscow): the levels of Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd had been determined in hair using atomic emission spectrometry and mass spectrometry with inductively-coupled argon plasma. Features of the element status of the inhabitants have been estimated by comparing the determined levels of chemical elements in hair against biologically acceptable levels. The study has revealed a reduced hair level of the following chemical elements in the population: cobalt (from 57% cases in the adult population group to 82% in children), copper (from 6% in teens to 36% in adults), manganese (4% in children, up to 24% in adolescents), and zinc (from 11% in children to 21% in adults). At the same time, an increased level of some heavy metals was found: cadmium (adults  29%), cobalt (adults  14%), iron (5057%, all age groups), mercury (adults  7%), manganese (29-50%, all age groups), nickel (435%, all age groups), lead (up to 36% in the adult population), zinc (4754% of children and adolescents). Thus, population of the region is at risk of toxic effects of metals such as Cd, Co, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn. In a number of cases risk of Co, Cu, Mn, Zn deficiency is detected. The findings suggest the presence of environmental problems in the Transural region of the Republic of Bashkortostan.

KEYWORDS: Transural region of the Republic of Bashkortostan, mining industry, heavy metals, hair analysis.