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Central Annals of Public and Research

Short Communication *Corresponding author Emmanuel Arhin, Department of and Environmental , University for Development Impact of Trace Elements in the Studies, Faculty of Applied , P. O. Box 24, Navrongo, Ghana, Tel: 233 24 2280826; Email:

Natural Environment and Public Submitted: 07 July 2016 Accepted: 17 November 2016 Health: A Medical Published: 19 November 2016 Copyright Perspective © 2016 Arhin al. OPEN ACCESS Emmanuel Arhin* and MS Zango Department of Earth and , University for Development Studies, Keywords Ghana • Trace elements • Datoko-Shega • Deficiency Abstract • Adverse health The distributions and concentrations of trace elements in the environment exposed • Potentially toxic elements to biological materials including can affect depending on the exposure and degree of concentrations. Whilst the essential trace elements impacts on development the potential toxic elements will have adverse health consequences on humans and in . As observed from the study both threatening and life supporting trace elements all coexist in the environment. Clinical reviews on trace elements suggest that human bodies require some amounts of them at all and their deficiencies adversely impact on human health. Mineral supplementation had always been the recommendation for people with deficiency of some trace elements as a prescription drug. In this study X-ray fluorescence analytical technique was used to measure the trace elements in the sediment samples whereas ICP-MS was used for the samples. The trace elements in sediments and in at the study areas showed Zn, V, Mo, and Ni depletions in both areas. Enrichments of Cu, Se Co and Cr were identified in the natural environments at both areas. The depleted elements are all essential elements which some are useful in the prevention of chronic diseases. Arsenic (As) was observed to be enriched in soils in Bole area and in sediments at Datoko- Shega; their involuntary ingestion can cause serious adverse health impact in humans. The study anticipate some of the essential trace element deficiency and the enrichment of some of the potential toxic elements to impact on Public Health and the authors fear for possible human health problem due to the bioavailability and of the elevated high concentrations of PTE’s and deficiencies of some essential elements in stream sediments and soil samples.

INTRODUCTION and their concentrations and abundances impact on health in a variety of ways. Living including man are made up of major, minor, and trace elements, given by and supplied by The notion here is is an aggregate of minerals [2] and as geology. These elements particularly the trace elements can they are exposed to the agents of (i.e. be essential and harmful depending on exposure and dose and of solid rock to unconsolidated pieces of rock materials) the contained minerals are released to the natural environment factors in terms of their concentrations and distributions [1]. Thecan bepathways, influenced exposures by the naturaland extent geological of ingestion and environmentalcan impact on composition of rocks and minerals are then imprinted on the air the distribution of health problems in humans and animals [2]. thatwhere we soils breathe, form the finalwater product that we of drink, the decomposed and the food rocks. that The we Addressing issues attributable to impacts eat. For many people this transformation of minerals and the of the natural environment on Public Health falls within a multi- trace elements from rocks to the natural environment contain help medical and public health communities all over the nutrients (such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, and indisciplinary the pursuit scientific of solutions towhere a wide geoscience range of hasenvironmental the potential and to aboutbeneficial a dozen elements other and elements) minerals that as it are is essentialthe primary for asource healthy of naturally induced health issues [3]. The trace elements in the life. Nonetheless, sometimes the local rocks can contain excess or natural environment constitute the source of many diseases

deficient trace elements than accepted global background values Cite this article: Arhin E, Zango MS (2016) Impact of Trace Elements in the Natural Environment and Public Health: A Medical Geology Perspective. Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051. Arhin et al. (2016) Email: Central of elements that naturally will dissolve under oxidizing/reducing conditions in groundwater. Reports had shown excess and of the disease before it becomes irreversible or life-threatening ifelement untreated. excesses Some or deficiencies, of the trace particularly elements can in the bio-accumulate early phases and the fact that they are bioavailable and bio-accessible can element,deficient oramounts an excess of ofsome such elements elements to(such cause as arsenic,significant cadmium, health exceed the threshold that the human body needs. Managing the problems because there is an insufficient amount of an essential trace elements of which some are essential and others toxic to methane , an overabundance of -sized airborne humans requires the understanding of the trace elements in the ofmercury, asbestos, lead, quartz , or etc.), pyrite, or orgaseous certain combinations, naturally occurring such as natural environment on the public health. As indicated in the organic compounds. This paper presents human health problems introduction trace elements in the natural environment constitute the source of many diseases and their concentrations and abundances impact on health in a variety of ways. In addressing sciencerelated toparticularly excesses and medical deficiency geology of traceto help elements Medical investigated and Public Healthin parts workersof Ghana to highlight understand the significance the emerging of including environmental earth trace elements in soils-the outer most layer of the earth where the public health issues of trace elements this paper classifies the health diseases. terrestrial life (or the critical zone) depends and groups the trace elements into Essential trace elements and Potential toxic trace Location of study area elements. There is a growing list of trace elements that have been The study areas falls in the savannah ecological zone in the shown unequivocally to be of nutritional importance to mammals north where poverty levels are high and healthcare facilities not in trace amounts and others do have adverse consequence either developed like it pertains in the areas in the south. to man or animals. The trace elements that have shown to have The locations are Talensi and Bole Districts (Figure 1). The trace role in human nutrition and clearly show signs of diseases with element geochemistry soil surveys were carried out between Tinga and Dokrupe communities in the Bole District and near and in this study to highlight the importance of trace elements in their deficiencies are discussed using results obtained from soils around Datoko-Shega areas in the Talensi District. Public Health. These elements are iron (Fe), iodine (I), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), selenium (Se), molybdenum (Mo), chromium (Cr), Trace elements and human health elements can cause chronic disease. However, in most developing The administrations of mineral supplements in drugs to countriesand, probably, and in manganese particular (Mn).in Ghana Deficiency we grow of what any we of theseeat and trace the patients are indications that lack of or excess amount of some interaction between the cultivated food crops and trace element trace elements may have an adverse effect on human health. geochemistry in soils will determine the amount of the essential There have been many advances in understanding the role of nutritional trace elements our bodies get after eating the food. trace elements in human health but, notwithstanding this fact, Again the potential toxic trace elements such as cadmium (Cd), (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and aluminium (Al) can be the clinical detection and evaluation of trace element deficiency ingested as contaminants in food or in and depending on the concentrations can harm the population. intoremains the for human the most system part maybeextremely too difficult. low and Some will of not the showreasons in for these clinical difficulties are that the ingested trace elements The involuntary ingestion of the potentially toxic elements (PTEs) can results in the emerging diseases [1,2] such as many instances of specific clinical signs and symptoms of a trace cancers, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. The authors concern is that the concentrations of some of the trace element concentrations may be low and weak in the local food but can bio- accumulate to exceed the threshold because of availability and bio-accessibility and there will not be early clinical detection. For

example the effects of mild iron deficiency in children are without diffuseany recognizable abnormalities specific in clinical central signs nervous and may system precede development by a long andperiod function the development in the new born of iron baby deficiency can only be anaemia. traced with Similarly, great

of zinc may lead to diffuse adverse effects on the immune system difficulty to mild maternal iodine deficiency. Also mild deficiency of the low and subtle concentrations of these essential trace elements.that may However be difficult the to obvious recognize in the as clinical a clinical studies entity is becausewhen a neonate is seen with weight loss or perhaps more suitably when infants and children failed to achieve optimal growth potential when other nutritional factors are normally provided then

the essential trace elements Zn is the most dramatic example thatthe suspicion impact on of childrentrace element health deficiency and require is assumed. quick primary Among healthcare attention though the others need similar attention. For instance, from Health Professional Fact Sheets, a severe zinc Figure 1 Study areas and rainfall patterns.

deficiency typified by acrodermatitis enteropathica can results Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051 (2016) 2/8 Arhin et al. (2016) Email: Central in a complete cessation of growth. Reviewed literature showed The sediment s delayed sexual maturation and impaired skeletal growth The amples were collected specifically at 10–20 that subtle zinc deficiency has been associated with dwarfism, ofm off sediment confluences, across at the bends, stream behind channels rock bars were and collected meandering after removingsites of . the organic To obtain and plantrepresentative debris forming samples, the 5–8 top scoops layer. prematureother trace infants element thriving. deficiencies Similarly have chromium associated supplementation health issues. Dead tree twigs and oversize quartz and lithic fragments of about Example copper (Cu) deficiency can contributes to failures of 4 cm were removed from the collected samples. normal weight gain. Another feature common to some trace The <2 mm particle size fractions of the soil samples were is of benefit in certain malnutrition syndromes in restoring a prepared further at the laboratory to suit the calibrations of ME-MS 41 analytical technique of ALS geochemical laboratory element deficiencies is the central nervous system dysfunction. protocol and in compliance of the authors requisition. The < 2mm inMolybdenum a number of deficiency other organ can systems result such in headache, as the gastrointestinal, lethargy, and sieved samples were vaporized using laser cells. The vaporized cardiovascular,coma. Other deficiencies haematological of some and trace musculoskeletal elements cause systems. defects samples were introduced to ME-MS 41 instrument manufactured by ALS that uses ICP-MS method for ultra-level trace elements The above reviews on trace elements emphasised in samples. The introductions of vaporized samples were done through a peristaltic pump, nebulizer, and spray chamber. There contributing effects on health but there are other trace elements is a torch in the ICP-MS instrument that generates plasma that thaton deficiencies are ingested of as some contaminants specific in trace food elements and water and that their are serves as the ion source that converts the atoms to be analysed considered as non-essential trace elements and potentially toxic to individual ions in the samples. The sample ions were then whose enrichments and bio-accumulations in human systems can cause adverse human health effects. These are cadmium sample ions were detected by direct measurements on (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb).The literature of thedetected ion collector after passing or the over ions the generate mass filter secondary wherein electronsthe individual that trace elements and public health is voluminous but the authors are propagated in the multiplier. The concentrations of trace concern in this paper is there is a relationship between diseases elements in the samples were then measured. and geologic environment, which the immediate interface is the soils. Incorporating trace element geochemistry study of The stream sediment samples were also prepared at Ghana Geological Survey Department for XRF analysis of the major and public health problems confronting the clinical health sector. powder. 7 g portion of the milled powder was placed into a small Thissoils paper is indeed assesses a significant the trace factor elements in addressing in soils between the numerous Tinga plastictrace elements. beaker. The The beaker < 125 µmand field its content sieve samples were weighed were milled using to a and Bole in north-western Ghana to highlight potential public was added to the 7 g weighed portion of the powder to bind the elements in the surface environment. beam balance. 8 to 10 drops of Moviol 88 solution binding agent health problems from deficiency and enrichment of some trace mixture (powder and binding agent) together in small lumps. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pressed pellets were formed from the powdered mixture. The pellets were placed in XRF analyser which takes 20 samples at The environmental geochemical investigations conducted a and connected to a computer with Spectro X-lab software recorded the major and trace elements in the samples. impactsto assess on thePublic variability Health were of trace carried elements out by collecting in the surficial 32 soil RESULTS samplesenvironment between for the Tinga identification and Bole at of western possible part trace of Northernelements Tables (1) and (2) show results of the major and trace Region and 54 stream sediment samples at Datoko in the elements from stream sediments at Datoko-Shegaand soils Upper East Region. The soil and stream sediment samples were sampled between Tinga and Dokrupe. Shown in Table (1) are collected across areas suspected to be contaminated by artisan the crustal averages and sediment/soil guideline values for some mining, cultivated lands for food crops and areas considered PTE by Inter-Departmental Committee for the Redevelopment of uncontaminated by human activities. In collecting soil samples Contaminated lands (ICRCL) and Environmental for the trace element geochemical assessments in connection to Protection Agency (USEPA) plus some published concentrations their possible impact on health, a circular hole of 30-cm nominal of elements in stream sediments in a similar environment in diameter dimension was dug up to 20 cm depth. The top 10 cm West . Element enrichment factors (EFs) were calculated in the 20 cm planned depth was collected as a sample. A 1000 g of elements in the samples relative to the crustal concentrations of assessing degree of excesses and deficiencies of some of the trace unsortedorganic influenced soil sample soils was were collected discarded from whilst the excavated the last 10 sample cm of uncontaminated soils derived from particular rocks. The average hole with no considerations to the regolith types. The collected upper continental concentrations (Bn) of the elements were used as background values, and the enrichment factor (EF) was calculated by dividing the mean element concentrations dried samples were later reduced by sieving to < 2 mm fraction. (Cn) by the average continental crustal values. Indices of geo- Informationfield samples such were as sun-dried the lithic forand 24 quartz hours fragments in the field. lithology The accumulations (Igeo) that help in identifying the polluted percentages were measured and described. Other information hotspots relative to unpolluted areas by the trace elements were calculated using [4] method. The explanations to the calculated sample. Determinations were made to ascertain whether they are numbers obtained from Muller’s formula which classify the clayey,collected silt in or the sandy field or was a combination the general ofdescription any of standard of the soilcollected types severity of consist of seven classes and this is in Table such as silty clay or sandy clay etc. (3). The last column of Table (1) labelled Igeo show the index

Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051 (2016) 3/8 Arhin et al. (2016) Email: Central of geo-accumulations in stream sediment samples. The geo- and uptake of the related health issues will not be recognizable accumulation index is calculated as: by the clinical examinations until the As levels reaches chronic Igeo = log2 (Cn = 1.5 Bn) ppm as against the world-wide mean of 15 ppm. This shows Where Cn is the concentration of the element measured in a levels. Similarly the As in soils at the Bole District averages 73.8 sample and Bn is the average crustal value, while 1.5 is a constant (Figure 4). Long-term exposures to arsenic in drinking water and which is introduced to minimise the effect of the variation of approximatelyin food can cause 80% cancer increase in the inskin, soil lungs, As content bladder inand the kidney. area background values. It can also cause other changes such as thickening and pigmentation. However the likelihood of effects is related to the Table (2) shows the trace element concentrations in the level of exposure to arsenic and in areas where source of drinking 32 soil samples collected. Summary statistics of the individual water and food is from As contaminated soils, these effects can trace elements and the accepted worldwide averages in soils are included. The table is grouped into the following classes: and enrichment of the trace elements should be traced from 1) Essential trace elements thebe seen geogenic in many materials individuals and the in establishmentsthe population. of The the deficiency pollution hotspots of these trace elements can guide the public health 2) Essential elements for the prevention of chronic diseases and medical doctors to address properly these environmental and health issues. The ingestion of large amounts of As can lead to 3) Potentially toxic elements (PTEs). gastrointestinal symptoms such as severe vomiting, disturbances of the blood and its circulation, damage to the nervous system, and eventually death. It is unlikely to know from the current study to present the behaviour of the trace elements in the studied Figures (2-4) were developed from the three classifications when ingestion of large amounts will occur in the study area but environments to guide in devising an appropriate Public Health their bioavailability suggests As-related diseases are imminent in the area. The other trace elements (example Hg, Cd and Pb) that by clinical procedures. can cause cancers and cardiovascular diseases however recorded Education on emerging diseases whose identification are difficult DISCUSSION mean concentration values lower than the world-wide averages (Table 2 and Figure 4) in soils at the Bole District. However, the Results of trace elements in sediment and soil samples same cannot be said of Cr and Cd in sediment samples at Datoko- depicted coexistence of essential and potentially toxic elements Shega area. Source of drinking water in most rural communities (PTE) in the surface environments. The essential elements V, Cr, particularly in the savannah north of Ghana get their water from and Se had average trace element concentrations to be above the shallow n deep wells and others drink from running streams average crustal concentrations, with Ni, Cu, Zn, Mn and Mo also where their bed-loads were sampled in this study. an essential trace element recording mean concentrations lower than the average crustal abundances in the stream sediment In addition to the potentially harmful elements whose samples (Table 1). The potential trace elements such as As, Cr concentrations at certain levels create adverse health issues in and Cd whose concentrations at a particular levels can pose humans there are other trace elements that plays healthy roles detrimental effect on human health appeared relatively higher in human developments. Some of the essential trace elements are in the analysed samples than the continental averages. The Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Co, V, Cr and Se. Considering their roles in , dilemma and the fear that communities in the Talensi District will animals and in human development the expectations were that their concentration levels in surface environments will be greater at all times than the world-wide averages. However, on the related diseases because the population eat what they grow and contrary not all these essential trace elements were enriched in theirbe confronted source of withdrinking is trace water elements are from deficiencies wells and boreholes and excesses will be high. Similar results were obtained for trace elements I soils at for so of them. This suggests that mineral supplementation will the Bole District [5-7]. bethe necessary two study to areas, support deficient the healthy concentration growth levelsof plants were and obtained human The As content in Datoko-Shega stream sediments (Table growth in the two areas. Some of these essential elements are 1) ranges from 0.3 to 39.5 pmand showed an enrichment of useful in preventing some chronic diseases. This is critical in approximately an 11-fold increase in concentrations in soils the study areasbecause the population eat what they grow and compared to the continental in soils/sediments. drink water in the underlying aquifers and soils. Governments About 60% As values in the sediment samples fall above soil in developing countries healthcare budgets can be managed and controlled if the link between public health and geoscience can be developed. As presented in Figs. 2 and 3, Zn, V, Mo and Ni average humanworld-wide and averageanimal systems of 15 ppm. via foodArsenic and as drinking noted by water. [8] is Also not contents in soils are much lower than the world-wide accepted livestocka requirement rearing for is animalsa common or occupation humans but in canthe savannahfind its way regions into of Ghana so in the unlikely event that the animals consumed As and development problems, hair loss, diarrhoea, impotence, eye contaminated soil will result in accumulation of arsenic in the andaverages. skin conditions,Deficiency of weight Zn as shown loss, delayed in Fig. will wound results healing, in growth taste organs of the and this can pose a possible health risk for changes, and mental slowness and loss of appetite among people humans if the organs are consumed [9]. The As concentrations in whose main food and water are obtained from the . water and in food might not be very high but will bio-accumulate because of its bioaccessibility. Due to the low concentration considering its depletion in soils at the study area; the inability to levels of As in these media signs and symptoms of As ingestions getSimilarly the right vanadium proportion deficiency of V may cause is rare elevation in humans, of molybdenum, however

Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051 (2016) 4/8 Arhin et al. (2016) Email: Central calcium and magnesium levels which have health consequences. Molybdenum depletion as presented in Figure (2) and Table (2)

can result in leaf deformation due to excess NO3 scorchis of great on concernsleaves as tonoted both by [10]. and Mo human is also health. essential Its deficiency in animal [8] and terminal [12]. Nickel also plays an important role in plant growth so its nutrition [11] and can result in Cu toxicity due its deficiency area which has savannah . deficiency in soils will impact greatly on the vegetation in the However, notwithstanding the depletion of some of the essential elements in the area, Se, Co and Cu showed mineral enrichment. Seleniumis essential for some plants, but it has

Figure 3 Trace elements for the prevention of chronic diseases. The enriched Se in the soils can contribute to the reduction of not been established as an essential element in general [8]. Se enrichment in soils in both study areas is good but require carefulcardiomyopathy monitoring and as tubular it has bone some changes adverse [8]. consequence Although the if ruminants consume crops with Se contents greater than 0.1 ppm. The ruminants can develop acute (“blind staggers”) or chronic

Se in humans can lead to malformation in children, miscarriage and(alkali dermatitis disease) [13]. selenium The enrichment toxicosis [8].of Cu Also as shown the toxic in Figure levels (2) of and (3) is an advantage for the communities around the elevated Cu areas because Cu functions in oxidation, , and

Cu concentration in the environment is good for the livestock farmersmetabolism as it and is necessary consequently in animal it is essential nutrition in [12]. plants [8]. Elevated Therefore trace elements will be taken up by the cultivated Figure 4 Potential toxic elements in soils. chain to humans and animals. In humans and animals irrespective ranging from 1 to 14 for these trace elements: Co, V, I, W, Cd, Cr, ofplants the and low when concentration matured will levels; find the their trace way elements through canthe food bio- As, Hg and Se. Among these elements, Cr, As, Se and Hg in stream accumulate because of their bioavailability. The consequence is the recurrence of many diseases that reoccur after treatment. the crustal averages and those in soils with showing values in excesssediments of their have background greater than values fivefold are enrichments Cd and Pb. The compared transference with the numerous environmental health issues will be effective if theMedical impacts Officers of the and natural Public environment Health workers from attempt trace elements to address on plants from the soils can adversely impact on our health. The Public Health is looked at from an interdisciplinary perspective. naturalof the excess processes fatal that trace results elements in rock to fish weathering in the streams to release and From this study the essential elements that support life appear trace elements into the natural environment is been enhanced due to the changing climate. The dynamism of trace elements elements to human and animal life appear to be above the crustal mobilisation in the surface environment may also be exacerbated concentrationsto be deficient in (Tables soils and 1 & sediments 2), whereas where the the hazardous livelihood trace of as a result of human activities [7] not limited only to mining people depend. The presentation in Tables (1) and (2) depicts and farming. But in the developing countries these two may the essential and toxic elements to show enrichment in samples distribution and concentration. Therefore to assist the medical scientistgenerally and influence public thehealth essential workers and to potentially overcome toxicthe numerous elements environmentally-related diseases require the development

of environmental geochemistry. Just looking at the signs and symptomsof maps that to define treat aenvironmental disease or using risk the areas epidemiological from the context data to develop disease maps untied to the geographical locations is inadequate to address environmental health issues. The existing models by medical scientists and public health workers should consider involving geoscientists’ especially medical geologists to make relevant the impacts of geological processes on the natural environment and the consequence thereof on Public Health. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION Trace elements play an important role in plant, animal and Figure 2 Trace elements in soils-up and downs. human lives. The inability to have certain trace amounts of some

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Table 1: Trace elements at Datoko-Shega in stream sediment samples. Element Min Max Mean Median Std Cont. Crust ER Igeo V 17.9 215.5 125.9 105.9 65.6 60 2.10 1.0 Cr 104.2 354.1 213.6 296.6 35 10.12 4.7 Co 6.7 53.0 26.7 19.5 17.2 25 1.07 0.5 938.7 Ni 1.2 41.4 17.4 7.7 17.2 20 0.4 Cu 14.7 6.1 15.1 25 0.59 0.3 0.87 Zn 7.0 110.3 31.6 20.2 32.4 71 0.45 0.2 0.8 38.3 Ga 3.2 12.1 7.2 6.3 3.6 19 0.2 Ge 0.2 1.0 0.5 0.5 0.2 1.5 0.33 0.2 0.38 As 0.3 39.5 12.7 13.0 1.5 10.56 4.9 Se 0.2 4.7 0.7 0.3 1.4 0.05 14.00 6.5 15.8 Br 0.4 2.2 0.9 0.7 0.6 2.4 0.39 0.2 Rb 4.2 22.5 19.3 15.7 112 0.20 0.1 Sr 22.7 636.9 350 0.42 0.2 53.8 Y 19.2 9.0 6.3 5.9 33 0.27 0.1 148.7 82.6 184.2 Zr 9.4 347.1 161.1 101.4 190 0.90 0.4 3.8 Nb 1.6 4.5 3.6 2.5 25 0.1 171.8 Mo 0.7 1.2 0.9 0.9 0.1 1.5 0.59 0.3 8.3 0.18 Ag 0.4 0.9 0.6 0.7 0.1 0.075 3.9 Cd 0.5 0.9 0.6 1.0 0.11 3.7 8.40 Sn 2.9 1.6 1.5 2.3 0.70 0.3 3.8 8.09 Sb 1.2 3.1 1.4 0.6 0.2 4.1 0.8 0.8 Te 1.3 1.4 1.4 1.4 0.1 0.001 1360.00 1.8 8.95 I 1.3 1.7 1.4 1.1 0.45 628.5 Cs 1.1 3.2 1.5 1.4 0.6 3 0.51 0.2 4.8 3.80 1.8 Ba 1029.0 312.3 215.9 294.7 550 0.57 0.3 La 22.9 11.7 12.5 30 0.39 0.2 48.8 Ce 2.9 76.2 31.2 22.6 22.1 64 0.49 0.2 1.8 8.2 Ta 3.2 6.7 4.6 4.6 1.5 2 2.32 1.1 W 26.1 2.3 7.5 1.25 Hg 0.4 0.9 0.9 0.9 0.2 0.067 13.73 6.3 1.8 4.8 3.87 1.8 Tl 0.4 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.2 2 0.29 0.1 Pb 0.4 4.7 2.0 14 0.33 0.2 Bi 0.4 0.9 0.6 0.6 0.1 69.41 32.1 7.8 3.8 Th 1.5 4.5 1.9 1.4 11 0.25 0.1 0.0085 U 1.7 1.9 1.9 0.1 0.66 0.3 2.8 1.8 2.8 of these elements in biological systems using humans as an epidemiological records in the study areas to show these diseases example results in complex health issues. The coexistence of the but the emergence of these diseases are eminent and should be essential and potential harmful elements makes trace elements impact on public health a critical area of study paying attention to is good for the population as its environmental and occupational the geogenic source materials and the anthropogenic processes exposureof concern can to Public result Health in diseases workers. of the However respiratory the Ni-deficiency system, the nasal cavities and sinuses, the immune system, and the skin. Like Ni, vanadium toxicity can interfere with biological functions Se,that V, influenceZn and Ni theirhave adverse concentrations implications and distributions.on human and Clinicalanimal of amino acids, peptides, nucleotides, and carbohydrates so its health.studies have revealed that deficiency of Cr, Co, Cu, Mg, Mn, Mo, Trace element deficiencies deficiency in the study area is good for the area. On the contrary Zn thedeficiency activity is of a overproblem 300 thatenzymes needs such serious as lactate attention dehydrogenase, in the study alkalineareas because phosphatase, Zn is an andessential alcohol trace dehydrogenase element which [15]. influences So Zn This research found Zn, V, Mo and Ni deficiencies in the occur in food produced from the environment. Molybdenum is an Health workers as it can result in growth retardation and delayed environment suggesting possible nutritional deficiencies to essential trace element required for several enzymes including sexualdeficiencies development in the study in children, areas should and impaired be an outlook wound for healing the Public and aldehyde oxidase, xanthine oxidase, and sulphite oxidase [14]. T- function at all ages. acid accumulation, cancer susceptibility as it plays a role in its Trace element enrichments Diseases associated with its deficiency include gout with uric prevention, and in sulphur . Although there are no The two studied areas are enriched both in Cu, Se and either

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2 8 2 54 24 32 15 24 40 125 100 125 437 437 0.53 0.33 0.33 soils 0.005 (ppm) Aceptedin Aceptedin

SD 0.0 6.5 0.0 0.0 0.7 0.3 0.2 0.5 0.7 2.6 0.3 2.6 32.3 13.7 74.2 13.7 11.5 73.8 11.5 16.0 11.0 255.9 255.9

0.0 8.2 0.0 9.0 0.9 0.5 0.1 1.2 0.9 4.3 0.5 4.3 75.6 27.2 77.4 27.2 28.0 35.1 28.0 25.2 14.9 368.3 368.3 value Mean Mean (ppm)

0.1 0.2 9.0 3.1 1.2 1.0 2.6 3.1 1.2 65.0 65.0 50.7 50.7 64.5 36.2 45.0 10.7 10.7 Max 127.0 249.5 402.0 1305.0 1305.0

0.0 6.4 6.3 2.7 0.0 9.0 0.2 0.1 0.0 0.5 2.2 0.2 1.4 0.1 1.4 Min Min 24.5 10.5 15.0 10.5 11.8 11.8 22.0 22.0

9 6 15 0.3 0.2 0.3 0.2 ON 259 259 029 31.5 10.5 10.5 12.5 0.02 10.3 12.5 10.7 36.2 0.01 0.05 0.52 1.62 1.62

9 34 26 20 26 4.1 0.1 0.1 ON 129 129 028 25.6 16.9 25.6 18.5 0.01 0.53 0.08 0.78 9.45 0.53 0.02 2.37 2.37

6 9 22 41 22 34 34 0.6 0.2 9.7 0.6 0.2 ON 103 224 224 027 17.6 29.2 0.02 0.06 0.77 0.03 3.91 3.91

3 9 45 21 6.4 ON 164 164 026 14.5 14.5 15.3 13.2 12.5 0.01 15.3 0.26 0.35 0.04 0.54 0.26 0.02 1.85 0.35 1.85

9 51 48 51 36 36 0.7 7.5 0.7 ON 125 817 817 025 19.5 60.9 0.02 0.64 0.25 1.33 31.2 0.64 0.02 4.45 4.45

9 21 21 17 15 45 0.7 0.7 ON 115 224 024 31.8 0.02 31.8 3.14 0.07 1.51 15.7 3.14 0.03 8.85 8.85 1305 1305

9 17 17 7.2 0.7 8.6 8.7 0.7 ON 101 355 124 355 023 18.3 12.7 0.02 18.3 1.12 0.07 1.47 1.12 0.02 5.02 5.02

9 26 26 0.8 9.9 0.8 ON 414 192 414 022 98.5 46.7 12.2 0.01 24.4 46.7 1.34 0.06 2.14 12.3 1.34 0.01 8.17 8.17

9 6.8 8.2 0.5 8.6 4.6 0.5 ON 111 216 151 216 021 12.5 14.1 12.5 0.02 14.1 1.48 0.04 1.71 1.48 0.01 5.73 5.73

9 18 18 6.4 0.6 7.1 4.8 0.6 4.8 ON 107 402 109 402 020 19.3 0.01 15.1 19.3 0.91 0.04 0.89 15.1 0.91 0.02

9 18 11 18 0.7 7.5 0.7 ON 116 432 225 432 019 29.5 0.03 11.4 29.5 2.05 0.04 1.58 14.1 2.05 0.01 8.63 8.63

9 86 16 16 10 0.4 1.7 0.4 ON 844 198 844 018 27.6 0.03 13.6 27.6 1.84 0.03 15.4 35.4 1.84 0.01 9.71 9.71

7 9 19 19 0.3 9.1 0.3 ON 113 478 122 478 017 23.7 0.02 23.7 1.03 0.06 0.87 13.8 12.3 1.03 0.02 5.33 5.33

9 24 24 0.8 0.8 ON 119 412 412 016 41.8 12.4 0.03 16.2 41.8 2.63 0.06 1.75 13.3 12.6 2.63 0.03 249.5 10.74 10.74

9 65 33 33 36 24 5.5 0.7 0.7 ON 544 544 015 34.5 28.5 34.5 0.02 27.9 0.42 0.07 0.77 3.44 0.42 0.02 3.44

9 71 43 42 43 4.2 0.7 0.7 ON 291 291 014 47.6 0.02 22.2 47.6 1.19 0.04 0.97 48.8 16.5 4.54 1.19 0.03 4.54

9 68 7.2 0.8 1.6 0.8 ON 515 515 013 59.5 40.5 50.7 0.03 28.1 50.7 0.67 59.5 0.23 56.7 43.2 4.49 0.67 0.02 4.49

9 56 34 40 34 4.9 0.7 0.7 ON 202 202 012 44.8 0.02 16.1 44.8 0.73 0.03 0.84 35.3 17.8 3.94 0.73 0.02 3.94

9 48 19 25 19 5.5 0.5 0.5 7.2 0.5 0.5 ON 173 173 011 18.7 0.02 20.8 18.7 0.03 0.74 18.9 2.53 0.01 2.53

9 32 37 27 27 32 5.6 ON 219 219 010 62.5 0.02 96.8 0.98 0.45 0.04 1.02 37.8 10.8 2.99 0.98 0.02 0.45 2.99

9 1 1 50 22 18 50 25 22 25 18 2.8 1.2 6.3 2.2 1.2 ON 402 009 0.17 0.02 0.53 2.57 0.04 2.57

9 51 41 34 25 25 41 6.4 0.6 1.1 0.6 ON 316 316 008 0.02 0.49 0.16 64.4 26.6 11.2 2.45 0.49 0.05 2.45

9 54 21 28 21 26 5.3 ON 270 270 007 18.3 0.09 0.51 0.15 0.15 0.96 17.3 18.3 10.2 2.11 0.51 0.03 0.15 2.11

9 47 28 25 13 28 4.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 8.1 0.3 0.2 ON 006 20.2 0.01 1.13 22.4 20.2 2.34 0.01 2.34 259.5 259.5

9 74 37 37 7.1 0.6 0.5 0.3 0.6 0.5 ON 320 320 005 28.5 33.9 0.01 80.5 14.2 1.41 36.3 33.9 3.19 0.04 3.19

9 55 25 19 4.8 0.3 7.7 0.3 0.3 0.3 ON 215 215 004 25.5 20.6 0.01 0.23 1.18 25.3 20.6 25.5 2.42 0.01 2.42

9 34 23 20 16 16 20 3.7 0.2 0.2 ON 407 407 003 0.35 15.7 0.07 0.89 20.5 1.96 0.35 0.01 1.96 12.55 0.0009

9 19 7.3 ON 235 235 002 24.5 2.65 0.32 0.25 0.06 0.66 0.01 11.4 14.7 1.37 0.32 0.01 0.25 1.37 15.75 11.75 11.75 15.75

7 9 65 65 ON 241 127 241 001 58.5 0.21 0.45 2.63 9.65 20.9 4.34 0.21 0.02 0.45 4.34 1.035 44.45 64.45 44.45 0.0095

V B Trace elements in soils at Bole District. Al Ni Cr Se Se ID Fe Fe As Co Zn Cu Cd Cu Zn Pb Hg Mg Mo Mo Mn Mn Mn Mn

Sample

Essential trace elements trace Essential prevention of chronic diseases chronic of prevention potential toxic elements toxic potential

Table 2:

Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051 (2016) 7/8 Arhin et al. (2016) Email: Central

Table 3: impacts of the natural environment on Public Health in order to prevent many of the primary health diseases emanating from lgeo value lgeo class Pollution Intensity Igeo classification. geological processes. The authors wish to thank the International 0 0 Unpolluted Medical Geology Association (IMGA) for their moral support. 0-1 1 Unpolluted to moderately polluted Finally to those whose names are not mentioned but contributed 1-2 2 Moderately polluted one way or the other we say big thank you. 2-3 3 Moderately to strongly polluted REFERENCES 3-4 4 Strongly polluted 1. Selinus O, Alloway B, Centeno JA, Finkelman RB, Fuge R, Lindh U, et al. 4-5 5 Strongly to extremely polluted Essentials of Medical Geology: impacts of the natural environment on

5-6 6 Extremely polluted 2. PublicArhin Health. E, Boansi Elsevier AO, academic Zango MS. press. Trace 2005; elements 812. distributions at enriched in Co or Cr also. Cobalt is an essential element for Datoko-Shega artisanal mining site, northern Ghana. Environmental Geochemistry and Health. 2015; 37: 2. health in animals in minute amounts as a component of Vitamin 3. Centeno JA, Finkelman RB, Selinus O. Medical Geology: Impacts of the B12 lead to pernicious anaemia. Their enriched conditions in soils . Its deficiency though very rare, is potentially lethal and can in the study area suggest root systems of plants can take up 4. naturalMuller G. environment Index of geoaccumulation on Public Health. in Geosciences.sediments of 2016;Rhine 6: . 8. Geo and those that eat the enriched Co soils can consume enough 5. Selinus O, Finkelman RB, Centeno JA, Eds. Springer. Medical Geology. sufficient amount for their growth whilst the grazing animals Journal. 1969; 2: 108-118. A Regional Synthesis. Berlin, Germany, 2010. can result in an increase in insulin requirement in humans can 6. Selinus O, Finkelman RB, Centeno JA. Principles of Medical Geology. In befor compensatedtheir development. for by Similarlythe enriched a deficiency Cr that has of indirectlychromium been that Encyclopaedia of Environmental Health; Nriagu JO, Ed. Elsevier: New taken up by food crops and absorbed into the drinking water York, NY, USA. 2011; 2: 669-676. systems. The enriched concentrations of Cu and Se in the study areas will address the impacts of these essential trace elements 7. Boateng E, Dowuona GNN, Nude PM, Foli G, Gyekye P, Jafaru HM. Geochemical assessment of the impact of mine tailings reclamation on on Public Health. the quality of soils at AngloGold concession, Obuasi, Ghana. Research CONCLUSION Journal of Environmental and Earth Sciences. 2012; 4: 466-474. Kabata-Pendias A, Pendias H. Trace Elements in Soils and Plants, 2nd In conclusion trace element-related-diseases require more ed., Boca Raton, FL; Levis Publ., Inc. 1992; 365. than drug prescription by medical doctors and public health 8. workers awareness creation of disease outbreak. An atlas of 9. NRCC. Effects of Arsenic in the Canadian Environment. Associate disease map with respect to the geographic location can provide much information on the local trace element distributions Committee on Scientific Criteria for Environmental Quality, National and concentrations to help prevent some of the emergent 10. ResearchGupta UC, Council Lipsett of Canada, J. Molybdenum Ottawa. 1978. in soils, plants, and animals. environmental health diseases. The study concludes that humans are what we eat and drink. The sources of what we eat and 11. AdvancesMcBride MB.in agronomy. Environmental 1981; 34: 73-115. of soils. Oxford university drink are from the critical zones of the earth. The trace elements press; 1994. reside in the soils of the critical zone; their concentrations 12. Kubota J, Alloway WH. Geographic distribution of trace element and distributions depend on the geogenic and anthropogenic problems. Pages 525-554 in Mortvedt JJ, Giordano PM, Lindsay WL processes. Alleviating the numerous environmental health editors. Micronutrients in . Soil Science Society of America, diseases from trace elements on Public Health fall in the context Madison Wisconsin USA. 1972. 13. Marier JR, Jaworski JF. Interactions of selenium. National Research [5,6] has the potential of helping medical and public health communitiesof a multi-disciplinary all over the scientific world in research the pursuit and of medical solutions geology to a wide range of environmental and naturally induced health issues. Council Canada, Associate Committee on Scientific Criteria for 14. EnvironmentalVan der Voet GB, Quality. de Wolff 1983: FA. 74. Human exposure to lithium, thallium, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS antimony, gold and platinum. Toxicology of metals. Boca Raton: CRC Lewis. 1996; 455-460. This short communication is one of the numerous medical 15. Vitoux D, Arnaud J, Chappuis P. Are copper, zinc and selenium in geology researches being carried out by the Ghana Chapter erythrocytes valuable biological indexes of nutrition and pathology? of Medical Geology Association. It is aimed at highlighting the

J Trace Elem Med Biol. 1999; 13: 113-128.

Cite this article Arhin E, Zango MS (2016) Impact of Trace Elements in the Natural Environment and Public Health: A Medical Geology Perspective. Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051.

Ann Public Health Res 3(4): 1051 (2016) 8/8