engleski

Determination of urinary arsenic and selenium among residents in eastern Croatia

Arsenic and selenium concentration in urine were investigated in two Croatian areas with different arsenic levels in drinking water. Total arsenic and selenium were determined in urine samples of adult participants (Osijek: n = 16, Andrijaševci: n = 34) using hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. Creatinine was determined in all urine samples with automated chemistry analyser using a colorimetric Jaffe rate method. The mean concentrations of arsenic, originating from natural geological sources, in community drinking water samples were 37.9 (Osijek) and 612 microg/L (Andrijaševci), respectively. The corresponding mean concentrations of total arsenic in first void urine samples of subjects residing in each of the localities were 28.2 and 653.7 microg/g creatinine. Mean value of total selenium in urine of residents from Osijek was higher (16.2 microg/g creatinine) than from Andrijaševci (9.9 microg/g creatinine). A positive correlation between arsenic and selenium urine concentrations was established (r = 0.53, p < 0.01). According to the results, seriously high chronic intake of arsenic in one of the localities is accompanied by lower selenium intake. Considering the ameliorating effects of selenium on arsenic toxicity, this might predispose the area residents to more adverse outcomes of excessive arsenic exposure.

arsenic; selenium; urine; eastern Croatia

doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.toxlet.2006.07.065