A PhD dissertation at the College of Science, University of Karbala, examined the levels of trace elements in human fluids and tissues of dialysis patients and healthy individuals in Iraq.

The study, conducted by researcher Rusul Aziz Jaafar from the Department of Chemistry, aimed to investigate any significant association between trace element concentrations and the development of dialysis-related conditions.

The research involved collecting biological samples (blood serum and nails) from dialysis patients and healthy individuals, measuring trace element concentrations using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and statistically analyzing the effects of factors such as health status, gender, and smoking. The study also explored the interactions between these factors and trace elements.

The study confirmed the potential use of blood serum and nails as biomarkers in the human body.