The role of geochemistry in environmental and epidemiological studies in developing countries: a review

Abstract

Abstract Concern over the effects of chemicals in the environment on the health of man and animals is growing as rapid economic and population growth extends such problems as land degradation, pollution and urbanization from industrialized nations to the developing world. In this paper we review the principal socio-economic and environmental pressures on developing countries before discussing the role of geochemistry in: (1) preparing high resolution baseline data to identify potential hazards; (2) understanding the pathways of chemical elements from rocks and soils to man and animals; and (3) developing amelioration strategies to reduce the impacts of inappropriate land use, power generation and mining. The particular geochemical problems of tropical terrains are discussed and some case histories from the international work of the British Geological Survey (BGS), funded by the Overseas Development Administration, are described. It is recommended that developing nations prepare modern geochemical maps, ideally to the standards set out in International Geological Correlation Programme Project 360 World Geochemical Baseline, and that aid agencies should fund integrated environmental geochemical surveys as being of primary importance, especially for health studies and land use planning; particular attention should be paid to the environmental impact of urbanization. Further understanding of chemical and mineralogical speciation is required to improve the interpretation of geochemical data for environmental purposes. Multidisciplinary studies, involving epidemiologists, biochemists and nutritional specialists, are essential if natural and anthropogenic impacts are to be properly assessed and practical amelioration measures implemented.