Basic Principles of Medical Geology and Trace Elements Overview
UGRC 144
Science and Technology in Our
Lives/Geohazards
Session 11 –
Basic Principles of Medical
Geology and Trace Elements
Lecturer: Dr. Patrick Asamoah Sakyi
Department of Earth Science, UG
Contact Information: pasakyi@ug.edu.gh
Session Overview
•
In this session, we shall look at the basic principles
underlying medical geology. Human health can be
affected by long-term exposure to either an excess or a
deficiency of certain chemical and substances in the
geologic environment such as soil and groundwater.
•
The session will focus on the pathways through which
trace elements from rocks, soils, and the atmosphere
enter the body.
•
The emphasis will be on some of the basic activities that
we are involved in, which eventually result in the intake
of geologically produced elements and the effects on our
health.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 2
Session Outline
The key topics to be covered in the session are as
follows:
•
Topic One –
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
Topic Two –
Pathways through which Trace
Elements Enter the Body
•
Topic Three -
Controls of Trace Element Intake
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 3
Reading List
•
Chapter 20 of Environmental Geology 4
th
Edition, Wm.
C. Brown Publishers – by Carla W Montgomery (1995)
•
Unit 3, Sections 1 of UGRC 140 II Geohazards –
Institute of Continuing and Distance Education.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 4
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL
GEOLOGY
Topic One
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 5
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
Geology
is an earth science comprising the study of
solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the
processes by which they change
•
Medical Geology
is a discipline that examines
relationships between geologic materials, processes
and the occurrence of human and animal diseases.
•
The use of geologic materials such as rocks, soils,
water and the atmosphere is universal.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 6
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
It has been recognized that the human and animal
health can be affected through;
–
Acute toxicity
(e.g., short-term exposure to high
concentrations of toxic elements)
–
Chronic effects
(i.e., long-term exposure to toxic
elements)
–
Excess or a deficiency of certain elements
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 7
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
Why do Medical Geologist relate the occurrence
of geologic materials and processes to human
and animal health?
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 8
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
Before we proceed to answer the question, let us
look at the basic definitions of rock and minerals and
elements.
–
In geology,
rock
is a naturally occurring solid
aggregate of one or more minerals.
–
Minerals
are solid inorganic substances, which
occur naturally with a definite chemical
composition and crystal structure.
–
Minerals are composed of
elements
.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 9
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
In geochemistry, a
trace element
is a
chemical
element
whose concentration is less
than 1000 parts per million (ppm) or 0.1% of a
rock's composition.
•
In biochemistry, a
trace element
is a dietary
mineral that is needed in very minute quantities
for the proper growth, development, and
physiological functions
of
animals and humans
.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 10
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
In other words trace elements that are
required in minutes amounts (e.g., microgram-
to-milligrams per kilogram) are referred to as
micronutrients
.
•
But element that are required in fairly large
amounts (e.g., grams per kilogram), referred to
as
macronutrients
,
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 11
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
•
Among the elements
considered essential elements
to all animals and vegetation
are;
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 12
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
Functions of Some Elements
•
Ca, P, Mg, F
are required for structural functions in
bones and membranes.
•
Na, K, and Cl
are required for the maintenance of water
and electrolyte balance in cells.
•
Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, and Mo
are essential constituents of
enzymes or serve as carriers for ligands in metabolism.
•
I and Cr
serve as essential components of hormones.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 13
Basic Principles of Medical Geology
Functions of Some Elements
•
The tissue levels of these elements tend to be
regulated within certain ranges, which are highly
dependent on several physiological processes
.
.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 14
PATHWAYS THROUGH WHICH
TRACE ELEMENTS ENTER THE BODY
Topic Two
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 15
Pathways through which Trace
Elements Enter the Body
•
Trace elements get in the body mainly
through:
–
The food chain
–
Drinking water
–
inhaled air from the atmosphere
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 16
Pathways through which Trace Elements
Enter the Body
The Food Chain
•
Plants are the base on which the food chain is built. They
use photosynthesis to convert CO
2
into the basic
molecules for metabolism such as sugars and amino
acids.
•
Water and nutrients (elements) are acquired from the
soil
and these are used to create new plant tissues.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 17
Pathways through which Trace Elements
Enter the Body
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 18
Pathways through which Trace Elements
Enter the Body
Drinking water – The Water Cycle
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 19
Pathways through which Trace Elements
Enter the Body
Inhaled
Air from the Atmosphere
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 20
CONTROLS OF TRACE ELEMENT
INTAKE
Topic Three
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 21
Controls of Trace Element Intake
•
Intake of trace elements are mainly controlled by
two factors, namely:
–
Natural processes
–
Activities of animals and humans
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 22
Controls of Trace Element Intake
Natural Processes
•
Natural processes are mainly geological processes and
these include;
–
the distribution of rocks with different elemental
compositions on the surface of the earth
–
soil formation,
–
the movement of water in the
water cycle
, and
–
the intake of nutrient from soil by plants.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 23
Controls of Trace Element Intake
Activities of Humans (and Animals)
•
These processes are attributed to the intake of food and
water, as well as other human actions and include;
–
Diet
–
Methods of storing food
–
Mining
–
Construction
–
Pollution
–
some agricultural practices.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 24
Summary
•
Both natural and human-induced activities can result in
increased levels of trace elements. The natural processes
depend on the variation of the underlying geology, and
are difficult to control.
•
However, human activities can modify trace elements in
many ways. For examples, soil pollution with metals such
as lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, arsenic and uranium, is
common near smelters and other ore-processing
facilities.
•
The water pollution may be accompanied by
contamination of plants growing nearby.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 25
END
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 26
This session delves into the fundamental principles of medical geology and its impact on human health. It explores how exposure to certain elements in the geologic environment can affect well-being, emphasizing pathways of trace elements into the body and their consequences. Dr. Patrick Asamoah Sakyi guides the discussion and highlights key topics including controls of trace element intake. Recommended readings further enhance understanding in this field.
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Presentation Transcript
Session 11 Basic Principles of Medical Geology and Trace Elements Lecturer: Dr. Patrick Asamoah Sakyi Department of Earth Science, UG Contact Information: pasakyi@ug.edu.gh College of Education School of Continuing and Distance Education 2014/2015 2016/2017
Session Overview In this session, we shall look at the basic principles underlying medical geology. Human health can be affected by long-term exposure to either an excess or a deficiency of certain chemical and substances in the geologic environment such as soil and groundwater. The session will focus on the pathways through which trace elements from rocks, soils, and the atmosphere enter the body. The emphasis will be on some of the basic activities that we are involved in, which eventually result in the intake of geologically produced elements and the effects on our health. Slide 2 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Session Outline The key topics to be covered in the session are as follows: Topic One Basic Principles of Medical Geology Topic Two Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body Topic Three - Controls of Trace Element Intake Slide 3 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Reading List Chapter 20 of Environmental Geology 4th Edition, Wm. C. Brown Publishers by Carla W Montgomery (1995) Unit 3, Sections 1 of UGRC 140 II Geohazards Institute of Continuing and Distance Education. Slide 4 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic One BASIC PRINCIPLES OF MEDICAL GEOLOGY Slide 5 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Geology is an earth science comprising the study of solid Earth, the rocks of which it is composed, and the processes by which they change Medical Geology is a discipline that examines relationships between geologic materials, processes and the occurrence of human and animal diseases. The use of geologic materials such as rocks, soils, water and the atmosphere is universal. Slide 6 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology It has been recognized that the human and animal health can be affected through; Acute toxicity (e.g., short-term exposure to high concentrations of toxic elements) Chronic effects (i.e., long-term exposure to toxic elements) Excess or a deficiency of certain elements Slide 7 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Why do Medical Geologist relate the occurrence of geologic materials and processes to human and animal health? Slide 8 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Before we proceed to answer the question, let us look at the basic definitions of rock and minerals and elements. In geology, rock is a naturally occurring solid aggregate of one or more minerals. Minerals are solid inorganic substances, which occur naturally with a definite chemical composition and crystal structure. Minerals are composed of elements. Slide 9 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology In geochemistry, a trace element is a chemical element whose concentration is less than 1000 parts per million (ppm) or 0.1% of a rock's composition. In biochemistry, a trace element is a dietary mineral that is needed in very minute quantities for the proper growth, development, and physiological functions of animals and humans. Slide 10 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology In other words trace elements that are required in minutes amounts (e.g., microgram- to-milligrams per kilogram) are referred to as micronutrients. But element that are required in fairly large amounts (e.g., grams per kilogram), referred to as macronutrients, Slide 11 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Among the elements considered essential elements to all animals and vegetation are; Calcium (Ca) Phosphorus(P) Potassium (K) Sulfur (S) Sodium (Na) Chlorine (Cl) Magnesium (Mg) Iron (Fe) Cobalt (Co) Copper (Cu) Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) Zinc (Zn) Manganese (Mg) Molybdenum (Mo) Selenium (Se) iodine (I) Bromine (Br) Slide 12 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Functions of Some Elements Ca, P, Mg, F are required for structural functions in bones and membranes. Na, K, and Cl are required for the maintenance of water and electrolyte balance in cells. Zn, Cu, Se, Mn, and Mo are essential constituents of enzymes or serve as carriers for ligands in metabolism. I and Cr serve as essential components of hormones. Slide 13 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Basic Principles of Medical Geology Functions of Some Elements The tissue levels of these elements tend to be regulated within certain ranges, which are highly dependent on several physiological processes.. Slide 14 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Two PATHWAYS THROUGH WHICH TRACE ELEMENTS ENTER THE BODY Slide 15 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body Trace elements get in the body mainly through: The food chain Drinking water inhaled air from the atmosphere Slide 16 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body The Food Chain Plants are the base on which the food chain is built. They use photosynthesis to convert CO2 into the basic molecules for metabolism such as sugars and amino acids. Water and nutrients (elements) are acquired from the soil and these are used to create new plant tissues. Slide 17 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body Slide 18 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body Drinking water The Water Cycle Slide 19 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Pathways through which Trace Elements Enter the Body Inhaled Air from the Atmosphere Slide 20 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Three CONTROLS OF TRACE ELEMENT INTAKE Slide 21 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Controls of Trace Element Intake Intake of trace elements are mainly controlled by two factors, namely: Natural processes Activities of animals and humans Slide 22 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Controls of Trace Element Intake Natural Processes Natural processes are mainly geological processes and these include; the distribution of rocks with different elemental compositions on the surface of the earth soil formation, the movement of water in the water cycle, and the intake of nutrient from soil by plants. Slide 23 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Controls of Trace Element Intake Activities of Humans (and Animals) These processes are attributed to the intake of food and water, as well as other human actions and include; Diet Methods of storing food Mining Construction Pollution some agricultural practices. Slide 24 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Summary Both natural and human-induced activities can result in increased levels of trace elements. The natural processes depend on the variation of the underlying geology, and are difficult to control. However, human activities can modify trace elements in many ways. For examples, soil pollution with metals such as lead, zinc, copper, cadmium, arsenic and uranium, is common near smelters and other ore-processing facilities. The water pollution may be accompanied by contamination of plants growing nearby. Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science Slide 25
END Slide 26 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
