Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria

Abstract

Abstract:The concentration levels of trace elements in drinking water and food pose potential health risks to man and therefore require great attention. Studies on iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) indicate goiter prevalence in areas underlain by metamorphic Basement and Younger Granite rocks and its near absence in the sedimentary terrains. There are cases of dental fluorosis resulting from the excessive ingestion of fluoride in both children and adults living in both the crystalline and sedimentary terrains in Nigeria with none reported from the coastal areas. Mining/mineral processing predisposes these trace elements to weathering whereby they are released into the environment in the soil and water bodies. The incidence of abnormally high natural radiation (radon gas) associated with most rocks and the exceptionally higher natural radiation associated with cassiterite mill tailings of the Jos Plateau, north central Nigeria, is a source of worry. Epidemiological records have indicated the increasing rate of lung cancer prevalence on the Jos Plateau and studies carried out elsewhere in Europe have linked about 13% of deaths associated with lung cancer to exposure to natural radiation. Preliminary hydrogeochemical study indicates high concentrations of potentially harmful elements (PHE) (Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Hg, V, Co, Cr, Ni, etc.) in the soils and water bodies in the crystalline and inland sedimentary terrains especially close to sulfide mineralization. In addition, high levels of these elements from anthropogenic sources have also been reported in soils and water in most mining/mineral processing sites and urban centres. The knowledge of the relationships between trace elements and human health issues is at its infancy in Nigeria. To adequately understand these relationships, there is need for geoscientists to intensify research on trace elements in the environment and together with professionals in community health so as to identify health issues arising from trace elements in the environment.

Analysis of the distribution of heavy metals in the soils of Bagega mining area Zamfara state, Nigeria

“…In Zamfara where the gold bearing deposits contain unusually problematic concentration of lead and other heavy metals, the crushing of pebbles into sand in dry running flour mills produces enormous amounts of dust which in some places is highly contaminated with lead and possibly some other heavy metals (Nigeria Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, 2010) . Many researchershave shown the adverse impacts resulting from mining activities, like studies of Dubeet al, (2000), Ezigbo(2011) andLar (2013) to mention few. For example,pollution of mining industries in Brazil comes from gold mining activities.…”

“…Thus, series of studies has been conducted in the study area (Bagega) which is a rural area in Anka local government of Zamfara State (Nigeria). Most of these studies targeted the concentration and distribution pattern of heavy metals in soils (Adamuet al, 2011;Tsuwang et al, 2014;Yusuf et al, 2007), on water contaminations (Lar, 2013;Mark et al 2014;Majiyaet al 2015;), effect on health Dooyemaet al 2012;CDCP, 2012;Galadima, 2012), to mention few. But attempt has not been made in mapping out the spatial distribution of these elements in the study area (Bagega).…”

Assessment of high fluoride in water sources and endemic fluorosis in the North-Eastern communities of Gombe State, Nigeria

“…Alexander et al [10] conducted an extensive study on trace elements in groundwater sources within southern Nigeria and reported that most trace element concentrations complied with the WHO minimum concentration standard. However, the report might be typically applied to the country's southern region, while the situation is different in Nigeria's Northern parts.…”

Relationship between regional longevity and elements in environmental media in China

“…Studies have shown that geochemical reference values are positively correlated with blood element content, and elements on Earth are closely related to life composition and health. [18] Lar and Uriah Alexander [19] studied the connection between trace elements in Nigeria 's crust and soil and water, and preliminarily analyzed their effects on human health. The correlation between them is very large, the influence of elements in the environment on the human body is very important.…”