Comparison of Synthetic Sweat and Influence of Sebum in the Permeation of Bioaccessible Metal(loid)s from Contaminated Soils through a Synthetic Skin Membrane

Dermal exposure to metal(loid)s from contaminated soils has received less attention than oral and inhalation exposure. Still, it can be a relevant pathway for some contaminants. Comparison of synthetic sweats (donor solutions), the influence of sebum, and the characterization of diffusion parameters through a synthetic membrane (acting as skin surrogate) in the permeation of metal(loid)s (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and, Zn) from polluted soils is missing. The dermal bioaccessibility tests were performed using two sweat compositions [EN 1811, pH 6.5 (sweat A) and NIHS 96−10, pH 4.7 (sweat B)]. Diffusion parameters of soluble metal(loid)s using the Franz cell methodology were calculated using the Strat-M membrane. The influence of synthetic sebum in the permeation of metal(loid)s was also investigated. The metal(loid) bioaccessibility percentage was higher for sweat B (pH 4.7) compared to sweat A (pH 6.5), attributed to lower pH of sweat B. Among the six elements tested, only chromium and copper permeated the membrane. Permeation coefficient (Kp ) was higher for chromium in sweat A (0.05−0.11 cm h−1 ) than sweat B (0.0007−0.0037 cm h−1) likely due to a higher pH and thus more permeable Cr species. The presence of sebum increased lag times for copper permeation. Additional studies regarding speciation of metal(loid)s following extractions in synthetic sweat and comparison of synthetic membrane Strat-M and human skin in the permeation of metal(loid)s are recommended.