Influence of Trace Elements in the Natural Environment and Public Health: A Medical Geology Perspective

Abstract

The distributions and concentrations of trace elements in the environment exposed to biological materials including humans can affect life depending on the exposure and degree of concentrations. Whilst the essential trace elements impacts on human development, the potential toxic elements will have adverse health consequences on humans and animals. As observed from the study both live-threatening and life supporting trace elements all coexist in the environment. Clinical reviews on trace elements suggest that human bodies require some amounts of them at all times and their deficiencies adversely impact on human health. Mineral supplementation have always been the recommendation for people with deficiency of some trace elements as a prescription drug. In this study, X-ray fluorescence analytical technique was used to measure the trace elements in the sediment samples whereas ICP-MS was used for the soil samples. The trace elements in sediments and in soils at the study areas showed Zn, V, Mo, and Ni depletions in both areas. Among the essential trace elements Zn is the most dramatic example that impact on children health and require quick primary healthcare attention. Enrichments of Cu, Se Co and Cr were identified in the natural environments at both areas. The depleted elements are all essential elements which some are useful in the prevention of chronic diseases. Arsenic (As) was observed to be enriched in soils in Bole area and in stream sediments at Datoko- Shega; their involuntary ingestion can cause serious adverse health impact in humans. The study anticipate some of the essential trace element deficiency and the enrichment of some of the potential toxic elements to impact on Public Health and the authors fear for possible human health problem due to the bioavailability and bioaccumulation of the elevated high concentrations of PTE’s and deficiencies of some essential elements in stream sediments and soil samples.