Determination of the distribution of trace elements in human hair as a function of the position on the head by SRXRF AND TXRF

Abstract

On reviewing the data in the literature it is obvious that the differences in the concentrations of certain special elements in human hair for a various number of people are too large to be used as standards or deviations from standards for determining the trace-elemental composition of hair. New questions have arisen with the publication of non-compatible data. What is the distribution of elements on the donor's head area? What is the character of this distribution? Is the distribution function identical for all elements? Hair samples were taken from five points on the heads of six people. The hair samples were analysed using the method of X-ray fluorescence excited by synchrotron radiation (SRXRF), and the results were compared with those from a similar sample analysed using the method of total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF). Elements which show a constant concentration all over the head are identified.