Geochemistry and Its Impact on Human Health
UGRC 144
Science and Technology in Our
Lives/Geohazards
Session 12 – Geochemistry, Habits and
Related Diseases
Lecturer: Dr. Patrick Asamoah Sakyi
Department of Earth Science, UG
Contact Information: pasakyi@ug.edu.gh
Session Overview
•
This session discusses the requirement of certain
geological elements to enhance the normal growth
or development of various organs and parts of the
human body.
•
It will also look at the diseases caused by the
deficiency or excess intake of these elements and
compound.
•
For examples,
moderate concentrations of some
trace elements such as calcium, copper and
molybdenum are required for good health because
high concentrations are toxic and lower
concentrations may also be harmful.
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 –
Eating of Clay and Associated Health Effects
•
Topic Two -
Fluorine and Dental Health
•
Topic Three –
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
•
Topic Four –
Arsenic
•
Topic Five
-
Aluminium
•
Topic Six - Nitrate
•
Topic Seven –Selenium
•
Topic Eight -
Crystalline Silica
•
Topic Nine - Molybdenum
•
Topic Ten - Water hardness
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 2 & 3 of UGRC 140 II Geohazards –
Institute of Continuing and Distance Education.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 4
EATING OF CLAY AND ASSOCIATED
HEALTH EFFECTS
Topic One
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 5
Eating of Clay and Associated Health
Effects
Geophagy
•
Geophagy is defined as the deliberate and
regular consumption of earth-like materials
such as
soils
,
clays
, chalk, and
mineral
substances
by humans and animals.
•
This is common in the tropics, and particularly
in tropical Africa. It is especially common
among pregnant women.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 6
Eating of Clay and Associated Health
Effects
Geophagy
•
By eating these earthy materials, the
constituent trace elements will be consumed,
and the increased concentrations of these
elements will become toxic to the health of
humans and animals.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 7
FLUORINE AND DENTAL HEALTH
Topic Two
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 8
Fluorine and Dental Health
•
Fluorine (F) is an essential element in the human diet.
•
Fluorine is added to drinking water to minimize the
development of dental caries.
•
Fluoride (F
-
) is important for the protection of teeth
and bones.
Lack of fluoride has long been linked to
tooth decay - hence the effectiveness of fluoride
toothpaste.
•
The human teeth and bone is made up substantially
of calcium.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 9
Fluorine and Dental Health
•
Low levels of fluorine provide protection for
the teeth and prevent decay.
•
However, excessive levels of fluorine
in water
forms a complex compound with the calcium.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 10
•
This then damages the enamel-
forming cells.
•
The damage to these cells results
in a mineralization disorder of
the teeth, whereby the porosity
of the enamel is increased and
the mineral content decreased.
Fluorine and Dental Health
•
This causes an irreversible condition known as Dental
fluorosis (tooth decay). It occurs in different parts of
Ghana. (e.g., Bongo in Upper East Region of Ghana)
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 11
Fluorine and Dental Health
Similarly, overloads of fluorine/fluoride in the
body affects the bones/s
keleton and cause
Skeletal Fluorosis
.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 12
Fluorine and Dental Health
Occurrence of Fluoride in Groundwater
•
When groundwater comes into contact with minerals like;
–
topaz (Al
2
SiO
4
(
F
,OH)
2
),
–
fluorite (Ca
F
2
),
–
fluoroapatite (Ca
5
(PO
4
)
3
F
),
–
cryolite (Na
3
Al
F
6
)
•
Soluble fluoride ions from these minerals leach into the
groundwater and contribute to high fluoride
concentrations.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 13
Fluorine and Dental Health
Prevention of Fluorosis
•
Fluorosis stains are permanent, and so, it is advisable to
prevent the condition in the first place.
•
Do not take fluoride supplements unless there are
insufficient quantities of fluoride in your drinking water.
•
Fluoride intake also includes fluoride from
beverages
,
juices
and
soft drinks
that contain
fluoridated water
, that
can expose you to the risk of excessive fluoride
consumption.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 14
Fluorine and Dental Health
Prevention of Fluorosis
•
Children should;
–
be given only small quantities of toothpaste on
their toothbrush
–
be taught the proper way to brush, including
spitting out the toothpaste.
–
not be given flavored toothpaste that may
increase the chances of swallowing.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 15
IODINE AND IODINE DEFICIENCY
DISORDERS
Topic Three
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 16
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
•
Iodine is essential to health
and thus required to be
present in the body at
certain concentrations.
•
Deficiency in dietary iodine
can lead to a number of
iodine-deficiency disorders
(IDDs) such as
goitre
and
irreversible brain damage
in
humans.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 17
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Occurrence of Iodine
•
Most iodine in the terrestrial environment are normally
derived through volatilization from the oceans.
•
The principal sources of iodine in groundwater are
aquifers, soils and the atmosphere.
•
Higher concentrations can be found in saline waters.
•
As a result of this major source of environmental
iodine, soils in coastal regions are strongly enriched in
iodine.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 18
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Occurrence of Iodine
•
Most iodine in the terrestrial environment are normally
derived through volatilization from the oceans.
•
The principal sources of iodine in groundwater are
aquifers, soils and the atmosphere.
•
Higher concentrations can be found in saline waters.
•
As a result of this major source of environmental
iodine, soils in coastal regions are strongly enriched in
iodine.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 19
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Occurrence of Iodine
•
Mineral veins (rich in sulphide minerals) and
hydrothermal solutions are also relatively concentrated
in iodine.
•
Sedimentary rocks such mudstone and shales have the
highest concentrations of iodine.
•
Weathered rocks often have higher iodine
concentrations than their pristine equivalents,
presumably due to interaction with groundwater.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 20
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders
Occurrence of Iodine
•
Mineral veins (rich in sulphide minerals) and
hydrothermal solutions are also relatively concentrated
in iodine.
•
Sedimentary rocks such mudstone and shales have the
highest concentrations of iodine.
•
Weathered rocks often have higher iodine
concentrations than their pristine equivalents,
presumably due to interaction with groundwater.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 21
ARSENIC
Topic Four
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 22
Arsenic
•
Arsenic (As) is usually injested through inhalation.
•
Chronic arsenic poisoning affects people mostly by
direct exposure to arsenic contaminated water or
arsenic polluted air.
•
The possible sources of Arsenic include:
–
Drinking water
–
Dust
–
Soil
–
Food
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 23
Arsenic
•
Patients affected exhibit typical symptoms including
–
hyperpigmentation
hyperpigmentation
(darkening of an area of skin)
,
,
–
hyperkeratosis
hyperkeratosis
(thickening of the skin),
–
Bowen’s disease
Bowen’s disease
(skin cancer of the outer skin layer).
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 24
ALUMINIUM
Topic Five
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 25
Aluminium
•
Aluminium is one of the most widely used
metals.
•
Sources of aluminium include soil, air, drinking
water, food additives and health-care products
(e.g. antacid).
•
In the geological environment, aluminium is
released during weathering of minerals such as
feldspar
(KAlSi
3
O
8
).
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 26
Aluminium
Health Effects of Excess Intake of Aluminium
•
Excess intake of Aluminium can cause;
–
damage to the central nervous system,
–
Alzheimer’s disease/dementia/loss of memory
–
listlessness
–
severe trembling
–
Shaver’s Disease (
Bauxite pneumoconiosis
)
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 27
NITRATE
Topic Six
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 28
Nitrate
•
Naturally nitrate concentrations are very low in
geological environments.
•
Activities such as;
–
agriculture (applications of fertilizers),
–
industry,
–
domestic effluents, and
–
emissions from combustion engines
–
usually results in the increase in the nitrates
concentrations.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 29
Nitrate
Health Effects of excess Nitrates
•
When nitrate concentrations reach excessive
levels there can be harmful biological
consequences for the organisms, especially in
babies.
•
Excessive intake of nitrate causes an infant
disease known as
methemoglobinemia
, (or blue-
baby syndrome)
or
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 30
Nitrate
Health Effects of excess Nitrates
•
Blue-baby syndrome is an infant born with a congenital
heart defect that prevents oxygen-rich blood from
circulating to the body, which causes the infant’s skin
to have a bluish tint
•
This syndrome is caused by high nitrate contamination
in ground water resulting in decreased oxygen carrying
capacity of hemoglobin in babies leading to death.
•
or
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 31
SELENIUM
Topic Seven
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 32
Selenium
•
Selenium (Se) is essential to human and animal health
in small amounts.
•
Selenium occurs in the food chain through the soil and
into plants.
•
It is also released to the environment from its use in
the ceramics, photocopiers and pharmaceutical
industries.
•
or
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 33
Selenium
Health Implications
•
Selenium
deficiency
has been implicated
in;
–
white muscle disease in animals, and cancer in
humans,
–
a potentially fatal heart disease called
Keshan
disease
.
–
it also includes Kashin-Beck disease, a bone and
joint disorder.
•
or
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 34
Selenium
Health Implications
•
In contrast, excess selenium causes
selenosis
, which results in;
–
intestinal distress resulting in
vomiting; diarrhea
–
malformation of hair (balding)
and nail loss,
–
mental malfunctioning
–
nervousness in humans.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 35
Selenium
Possible Treatments for Keshan Diseases
•
The treatment for Keshan disease is selenium
supplementation, supplementary Vitamin E or both.
•
Intake of diet that includes seafood, meats such as
kidney, and liver, and some grains and seeds; all of
these are high in selenium.
•
Garlic, onions, mushroom, broccoli, tomatoes, and
radishes, may be good sources of selenium if the soil in
which they are grown contains it.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 36
Selenium
Possible Treatments for Keshan Diseases
•
Selenium supplements may improve the levels
of selenium in the body.
•
The supplements cannot reverse any of the
heart muscle damage that has already
occurred.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 37
CRYSTALLINE SILICA
Topic Eight
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 38
Crystalline Silica
•
Anything quartz, granite, sandstone, sand or
clay contains a form of silica.
•
For instance, bricks, ceramics, roads, concrete,
sandpaper, filters for municipal water supplies,
desiccants, toothpaste, paper and materials for
industry contain silica.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 39
Crystalline Silica
Silica and Silicosis
•
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by silica (SiO
2
).
•
Silica can become airborne during windy
conditions or during construction activities as
well as during volcanic eruptions.
•
These are inhaled through the nostrils into the
lungs.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 40
Crystalline Silica
Silica and Silicosis
•
In the lungs the small crystalline silica particles
are taken up by microphages that die and
accumulate near blood vessels.
•
The connective tissues form around these
masses, producing fibrous nodules in the lungs
resulting in major respiratory problems and
death.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 41
MOLYBDENUM
Topic Nine
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 42
Molybdenum
•
Elevated levels of molybdenum in soils causes
health problems for grazing livestock.
•
Ingestion of excessive levels of molybdenum
leads to
Molybdenosis
.
•
High concentrations of molybdenum inhibits
the absorption of Cu resulting in Cu deficiency.
•
This may lead to stunted growth and unhatched
eggs in poultry.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 43
WATER HARDNESS
Topic Ten
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 44
Water Hardness
•
Water hardness mainly refers to water which is unable
to produce lather with soap.
•
As water moves through rocks and soils, soluble
minerals are dissolved and these are transported in
solution. The dissolution of calcium (Ca
2+
) and
magnesium (Mg
2+
) in water causes the water to be
"hard." E.g. calcite
(CaCO
3
), anhydrite (CaSO
4
) and
dolomite (CaMg(CO
3
)
2
).
•
The degree of hardness is dependent on the
concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 45
Water Hardness
•
Clothes laundered in hard water may look dingy
and feel harsh and scratchy.
•
Dishes and glasses may be spotted when dry.
•
Hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and
look dull.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 46
Summary
•
Both natural and human-induced activities can result in
increased levels of trace elements.
•
The intake of trace elements into the body may have
serious health implications for us, depending on whether
it is in excess or deficient
.
•
Most of the diseases are
mental malfunctioning, heart-
related diseases,
d
ental and skeletal fluorosis, goitre,
blue-baby syndrome, etc.
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 47
END
Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Slide 48
This session, led by Dr. Patrick Asamoah Sakyi from the Department of Earth Science at UG, delves into the significance of geological elements in human health, discussing diseases arising from their deficiency or excess intake. Topics include geophagy, fluorine's impact on dental health, iodine deficiency disorders, arsenic toxicity, and more. Recommended readings are provided from Environmental Geology and Geohazards Institute resources.
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Session 12 Geochemistry, Habits and Related Diseases 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 This session discusses the requirement of certain geological elements to enhance the normal growth or development of various organs and parts of the human body. It will also look at the diseases caused by the deficiency or excess intake of these elements and compound. For examples, moderate concentrations of some trace elements such as calcium, copper and molybdenum are required for good health because high concentrations are toxic and lower concentrations may also be harmful. 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 Eating of Clay and Associated Health Effects Topic Two - Fluorine and Dental Health Topic Three Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Topic Four Arsenic Topic Five - Aluminium Topic Six - Nitrate Topic Seven Selenium Topic Eight - Crystalline Silica Topic Nine - Molybdenum Topic Ten - Water hardness 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 2 & 3 of UGRC 140 II Geohazards Institute of Continuing and Distance Education. Slide 4 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic One EATING OF CLAY AND ASSOCIATED HEALTH EFFECTS Slide 5 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Eating of Clay and Associated Health Effects Geophagy Geophagy is defined as the deliberate and regular consumption of earth-like materials such as soils, clays, chalk, and mineral substances by humans and animals. This is common in the tropics, and particularly in tropical Africa. It is especially common among pregnant women. Slide 6 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Eating of Clay and Associated Health Effects Geophagy By eating these earthy materials, the constituent trace elements will be consumed, and the increased concentrations of these elements will become toxic to the health of humans and animals. Slide 7 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Two FLUORINE AND DENTAL HEALTH Slide 8 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Fluorine (F) is an essential element in the human diet. Fluorine is added to drinking water to minimize the development of dental caries. Fluoride (F-) is important for the protection of teeth and bones. Lack of fluoride has long been linked to tooth decay - hence the effectiveness of fluoride toothpaste. The human teeth and bone is made up substantially of calcium. Slide 9 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Low levels of fluorine provide protection for the teeth and prevent decay. However, excessive levels of fluorine in water forms a complex compound with the calcium. This then damages the enamel- forming cells. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/MildFluorosis02-24-09.jpg/230px-MildFluorosis02-24-09.jpg The damage to these cells results in a mineralization disorder of the teeth, whereby the porosity of the enamel is increased and the mineral content decreased. Slide 10 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health This causes an irreversible condition known as Dental fluorosis (tooth decay). It occurs in different parts of Ghana. (e.g., Bongo in Upper East Region of Ghana) Slide 11 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Similarly, overloads of fluorine/fluoride in the body affects the bones/skeleton and cause Skeletal Fluorosis. Slide 12 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Occurrence of Fluoride in Groundwater When groundwater comes into contact with minerals like; topaz (Al2SiO4(F,OH)2), fluorite (CaF2), fluoroapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F), cryolite (Na3AlF6) Soluble fluoride ions from these minerals leach into the groundwater and contribute to high fluoride concentrations. Slide 13 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Prevention of Fluorosis Fluorosis stains are permanent, and so, it is advisable to prevent the condition in the first place. Do not take fluoride supplements unless there are insufficient quantities of fluoride in your drinking water. Fluoride intake also includes fluoride from beverages, juices and soft drinks that contain fluoridated water, that can expose you to the risk of excessive fluoride consumption. Slide 14 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Fluorine and Dental Health Prevention of Fluorosis Children should; be given only small quantities of toothpaste on their toothbrush be taught the proper way to brush, including spitting out the toothpaste. not be given flavored toothpaste that may increase the chances of swallowing. Slide 15 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Three IODINE AND IODINE DEFICIENCY DISORDERS Slide 16 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Iodine is essential to health and thus required to be present in the body at certain concentrations. Deficiency in dietary iodine can lead to a number of iodine-deficiency disorders (IDDs) such as goitre and irreversible brain damage in humans. Slide 17 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Occurrence of Iodine Most iodine in the terrestrial environment are normally derived through volatilization from the oceans. The principal sources of iodine in groundwater are aquifers, soils and the atmosphere. Higher concentrations can be found in saline waters. As a result of this major source of environmental iodine, soils in coastal regions are strongly enriched in iodine. Slide 18 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Occurrence of Iodine Most iodine in the terrestrial environment are normally derived through volatilization from the oceans. The principal sources of iodine in groundwater are aquifers, soils and the atmosphere. Higher concentrations can be found in saline waters. As a result of this major source of environmental iodine, soils in coastal regions are strongly enriched in iodine. Slide 19 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Occurrence of Iodine Mineral veins (rich in sulphide minerals) and hydrothermal solutions are also relatively concentrated in iodine. Sedimentary rocks such mudstone and shales have the highest concentrations of iodine. Weathered rocks often have higher iodine concentrations than their pristine equivalents, presumably due to interaction with groundwater. Slide 20 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Iodine and Iodine Deficiency Disorders Occurrence of Iodine Mineral veins (rich in sulphide minerals) and hydrothermal solutions are also relatively concentrated in iodine. Sedimentary rocks such mudstone and shales have the highest concentrations of iodine. Weathered rocks often have higher iodine concentrations than their pristine equivalents, presumably due to interaction with groundwater. Slide 21 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Four ARSENIC Slide 22 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Arsenic Arsenic (As) is usually injested through inhalation. Chronic arsenic poisoning affects people mostly by direct exposure to arsenic contaminated water or arsenic polluted air. The possible sources of Arsenic include: Drinking water Dust Soil Food Slide 23 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Arsenic Patients affected exhibit typical symptoms including hyperpigmentation (darkening of an area of skin), hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin), Bowen s disease (skin cancer of the outer skin layer). Slide 24 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Five ALUMINIUM Slide 25 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Aluminium Aluminium is one of the most widely used metals. Sources of aluminium include soil, air, drinking water, food additives and health-care products (e.g. antacid). In the geological environment, aluminium is released during weathering of minerals such as feldspar (KAlSi3O8 ). Slide 26 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Aluminium Health Effects of Excess Intake of Aluminium Excess intake of Aluminium can cause; damage to the central nervous system, Alzheimer s disease/dementia/loss of memory listlessness severe trembling Shaver s Disease (Bauxite pneumoconiosis) Slide 27 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Six NITRATE Slide 28 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Nitrate Naturally nitrate concentrations are very low in geological environments. Activities such as; agriculture (applications of fertilizers), industry, domestic effluents, and emissions from combustion engines usually results in the increase in the nitrates concentrations. Slide 29 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Nitrate Health Effects of excess Nitrates When nitrate concentrations reach excessive levels there can be harmful biological consequences for the organisms, especially in babies. Excessive intake of nitrate causes an infant disease known as methemoglobinemia, (or blue- baby syndrome) or Slide 30 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Nitrate Health Effects of excess Nitrates Blue-baby syndrome is an infant born with a congenital heart defect that prevents oxygen-rich blood from circulating to the body, which causes the infant s skin to have a bluish tint This syndrome is caused by high nitrate contamination in ground water resulting in decreased oxygen carrying capacity of hemoglobin in babies leading to death. or Slide 31 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Seven SELENIUM Slide 32 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Selenium Selenium (Se) is essential to human and animal health in small amounts. Selenium occurs in the food chain through the soil and into plants. It is also released to the environment from its use in the ceramics, photocopiers and pharmaceutical industries. or Slide 33 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Selenium Health Implications Selenium deficiency has been implicated in; white muscle disease in animals, and cancer in humans, a potentially fatal heart disease called Keshan disease. it also includes Kashin-Beck disease, a bone and joint disorder. or Slide 34 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Selenium Health Implications In contrast, excess selenium causes selenosis, which results in; intestinal distress resulting in vomiting; diarrhea malformation of hair (balding) and nail loss, mental malfunctioning nervousness in humans. Slide 35 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Selenium Possible Treatments for Keshan Diseases The treatment for Keshan disease is selenium supplementation, supplementary Vitamin E or both. Intake of diet that includes seafood, meats such as kidney, and liver, and some grains and seeds; all of these are high in selenium. Garlic, onions, mushroom, broccoli, tomatoes, and radishes, may be good sources of selenium if the soil in which they are grown contains it. Slide 36 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Selenium Possible Treatments for Keshan Diseases Selenium supplements may improve the levels of selenium in the body. The supplements cannot reverse any of the heart muscle damage that has already occurred. Slide 37 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Eight CRYSTALLINE SILICA Slide 38 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Crystalline Silica Anything quartz, granite, sandstone, sand or clay contains a form of silica. For instance, bricks, ceramics, roads, concrete, sandpaper, filters for municipal water supplies, desiccants, toothpaste, paper and materials for industry contain silica. Slide 39 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Crystalline Silica Silica and Silicosis Silicosis is a lung disease caused by silica (SiO2). Silica can become airborne during windy conditions or during construction activities as well as during volcanic eruptions. These are inhaled through the nostrils into the lungs. Slide 40 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Crystalline Silica Silica and Silicosis In the lungs the small crystalline silica particles are taken up by microphages that die and accumulate near blood vessels. The connective tissues form around these masses, producing fibrous nodules in the lungs resulting in major respiratory problems and death. Slide 41 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Nine MOLYBDENUM Slide 42 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Molybdenum Elevated levels of molybdenum in soils causes health problems for grazing livestock. Ingestion of excessive levels of molybdenum leads to Molybdenosis. High concentrations of molybdenum inhibits the absorption of Cu resulting in Cu deficiency. This may lead to stunted growth and unhatched eggs in poultry. Slide 43 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Topic Ten WATER HARDNESS Slide 44 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Water Hardness Water hardness mainly refers to water which is unable to produce lather with soap. As water moves through rocks and soils, soluble minerals are dissolved and these are transported in solution. The dissolution of calcium (Ca2+) and magnesium (Mg2+) in water causes the water to be "hard." E.g. calcite (CaCO3), anhydrite (CaSO4) and dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2). The degree of hardness is dependent on the concentration of calcium and magnesium in the water. Slide 45 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Water Hardness Clothes laundered in hard water may look dingy and feel harsh and scratchy. Dishes and glasses may be spotted when dry. Hair washed in hard water may feel sticky and look dull. Slide 46 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
Summary Both natural and human-induced activities can result in increased levels of trace elements. The intake of trace elements into the body may have serious health implications for us, depending on whether it is in excess or deficient. Most of the diseases are mental malfunctioning, heart- related diseases, dental and skeletal fluorosis, goitre, blue-baby syndrome, etc. Slide 47 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
END Slide 48 Dr. Patrick A. Sakyi, Dept. of Earth Science
