The role of geochemistry in environmental and epidemiological studies in developing countries

Plant, Jane A.; Baldock, J. W.; Haslam, H. W.; Smith, B.

doi:10.18814/epiiugs/1998/v21i1/004

Cited by 6 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…As a result of this complex sourcing mechanism, element deficiencies or toxicities are generally rare in regards to dietary intake. Additionally, element imbalances in the soil are often amended before the growth of crops, thus eliminating any subsequent problems (Underwood, 1979;Plant et al, 1998). Thus, trace element deficiencies and/or toxicities that are a result of geological conditions are much easier to identify in animals and people in developing countries since much of the food and water ingested is obtained directly from the surrounding environment.…”

Section: Geologymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Bioavailability is the fraction or amount of element, which is actually available for uptake by living matter (Plant et al, 1998). The fate of elements within soil are governed by the chemical system of the soil and are characterized by: a) the heterogeneous distribution of compounds, b) seasonal and spatial alterations in physical and chemical properties (e.g., pH), c) the transformation of chemical species (e.g., electron transfer reactions, diffusion-adsorption into solids), and d) bio-uptake and bio-accumulation.…”

Section: Pathways Intake Uptake and Excretionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Medical geology: new relevance in the earth sciences

Bowman¹,

Bobrowsky²,

Selinus³

2003

Episodes

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The interdisciplinary field of "Medical Geology" responds to the need to better understand the relationships between human health and our surrounding environment. The influence of earth resources, natural environmental factors and land-use on human health has long been recognized, dating back to ancient Rome and Peru's Inca civilization. Today links between the natural environment and health can be found throughout the world. This review introduces the historical context of this particular type of research, contrasts the direct geological and indirect natural hazard influences on health as a framework of study, elaborates on pathways of elemental accumulation in the body and provides examples of specific geochemical behaviours and diseases that are often associated with either too much or not enough of certain elements which comprise the Earth.

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Section: Geologymentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Pathways Intake Uptake and Excretionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Medical geology: new relevance in the earth sciences

Bowman¹,

Bobrowsky²,

Selinus³

2003

Episodes

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The fate of trace elements in a large coal-fired power plant

Llorens

Fernández-Turiel

Querol

2001

Environmental Geology

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Dental fluorosis linked to degassing of Ambrym volcano, Vanuatu: a novel exposure pathway

Allibone

Cronin

Charley

et al. 2010

Environ Geochem Health

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Ambrym in Vanuatu is a persistently degassing island volcano whose inhabitants harvest rainwater for their potable water needs. The findings from this study indicate that dental fluorosis is prevalent in the population due to fluoride contamination of rainwater by the volcanic plume. A dental survey was undertaken of 835 children aged 6-18 years using the Dean's Index of Fluorosis. Prevalence of dental fluorosis was found to be 96% in the target area of West Ambrym, 71% in North Ambrym, and 61% in Southeast Ambrym. This spatial distribution appears to reflect the prevailing winds and rainfall patterns on the island. Severe cases were predominantly in West Ambrym, the most arid part of the island, and the most commonly affected by the volcanic plume. Over 50 km downwind, on a portion of Malakula Island, the dental fluorosis prevalence was 85%, with 36% prevalence on Tongoa Island, an area rarely affected by volcanic emissions. Drinking water samples from West Ambrym contained fluoride levels from 0.7 to 9.5 ppm F (average 4.2 ppm F, n = 158) with 99% exceeding the recommended concentration of 1.0 ppm F. The pathway of fluoride-enriched rainwater impacting upon human health as identified in this study has not previously been recognised in the aetiology of fluorosis. This is an important consideration for populations in the vicinity of degassing volcanoes, particularly where rainwater comprises the primary potable water supply for humans or animals.

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The role of geochemistry in environmental and epidemiological studies in developing countries

Cited by 6 publications

References 0 publications

Medical geology: new relevance in the earth sciences

Medical geology: new relevance in the earth sciences

The fate of trace elements in a large coal-fired power plant

Dental fluorosis linked to degassing of Ambrym volcano, Vanuatu: a novel exposure pathway

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