Determination of metal concentrations in animal hair by the ICP method: comparison of various washing procedures.

Concentrations of minor and trace elements (Mg, Ca, Fe, Ba, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Al, Mn, Cr, Ti, and V) in the hair of three races of dogs (fox terrier, schnauzer, and mini schnauzer) were analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry method. The influence of five washing solutions, deionized water, acetone, methanol, EDTA, and Triton X-100, on the concentrations measured in hair was investigated. Triton X-100 was found to be suitable to use for the removal of exogenous elements in multielemental hair analysis. Additionally, the results indicated that the concentration of the elements measured in the dogs' hair were similar to those reported for human hair. The relation between the element content in the dog hair and its color were similar to those found for human hair.