Determination of zinc serum in the workers of sarcheshme copper complex

Abstract

Zinc is one of the essential elements in biological system. The role of this element in many enzymes has been proved. Zinc has an antagonistic effect on the toxic elements such as cadmium, as both binds to a carrier protein called metalothionein . Zinc can be found in atmosphere of different industrial environment. Due to its importance, it's concentration in the serum of 399 Male workers of sarcheshme copper complex was Investigated. The samples were taken randomly from different sections and the level of zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average serum concentration of zinc was 84.87+_19.99 mg/ dl which was significantly lower than that of the Blood bank Donors as the control group ( 130.7+_39.7). No significant correlation was found between the level of zinc and age, period of working and the type of the work in the factory.