A Comparative Study of Neurocognitive Effects of Aluminum

Abstract

In this study, we investigated serum Aluminum levels of healthy individuals in suitability-randomly chosen three different regions of the world in relation to intellectual ability of randomly chosen 16 year male students. Based on socio-economical factors, and the availability of resources and trained staff, the plasma aluminum contents were measured for 30 volunteers from three towns; in UK-Tower Hamlets, KSA-Al-Dammam and Iraq-Almusaib.
The latter’s candidates were found to have the highest levels of aluminum in their plasma. This might be attributed to the relatively high levels of aluminum in drinking water or the use of aluminum cooking scratched pans and pots other than stainless steel or properly coated cooking apparatus especially in frying. Dust is also a contributing factor. Spectrophotometric techniques were used to determine the concentration of Al in water and biological fluids.
Throughout this study morin was used as the chelating agent. It gives a deep-yellow complex with aluminum with a maximum absorbance at 421nm. Acidified (0.0002M H2SO4)/ethanolic (50%) solution were used. Absorbance was measured at 421nm. Creatinine and urea levels were used to check for kidney function. They were within normal limits for all participants.
The possible effects of aluminum level in plasma on intellectual ability for a randomly chosen sample of thirty 16 years old pupils in the three towns were studied. Average mathematics school official grades were plotted against plasma aluminum levels. Correlation coefficients indicate a possible link between aluminum levels in plasma with mental ability.