Correlation between mercury and selenium concentrations in Indian hair from Rondˆonia State, Amazon region, Brazil

Total mercury and selenium concentrations were determined in hair samples collected from Wari ŽPaca´as Novos. Indians living in Doutor Tanajura village, Gujar´a-Mirim city, Rondˆonia State. The mercury concentrations in some samples are much higher than the values determined in samples from individuals not exposed to mercury contamination, occupationally or environmentally. The selenium concentrations are in the normal range. A correlation was observed between the mercury and selenium concentration and the values of the molar ratio approach 1 at low Hg concentrations. This fact is related to the equimolar complex formed by ŽHg Se.n4m Seleprotein P, which can decrease the bioavailable mercury in the organism