Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria

Lar; Uriah Alexander

doi:doi:10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

| Peer-Reviewed

Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria

Lar, Uriah Alexander

Published in Earth Sciences (Volume 2, Issue 3)

Received: 4 May 2013 Published: 10 June 2013

Views: Downloads:

Download PDF

Share This Article

Twitter
Linked In
Facebook

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 hydro-geochemical 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.

Published in	Earth Sciences (Volume 2, Issue 3)
DOI	10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
Page(s)	66-72
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2013. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Trace Element, Environment; Health, Risks, Nigeria, Anthropogenic Sources

References

[1]	Fordyce, F. Geochemistry and Health. Why geoscience information is necessary. Geoscience and Development, 2000; 6, 6-8.
[2]	Faibridge, R. W. "The Encyclopedia of Geochemistry and Environmental Sciences". Dowden, Hutchinson and Ross Inc. 1972; Vol. IVA, 696-702.
[3]	Grant, N.K. Geochronology of Precambrian Basement rocks from Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Earth planetary science Letters, 1970; 10, 29-38.
[4]	Lar,U.A. and Sallau,A. K. . Trace element geochemistry of the Keana brine field, Middle Benue trough Nigeria. International Journal of Env. And Health. 2005, 4 , 236-243..
[5]	Lar, U.A. and Tsalha, M.S. (2005). Geochemical characteristics of the Jos-Plateau Basalts, North-Central Nigeria. Global Journal of Geological Sciences 2005; 3, No. 2, 187-193
[6]	Sallau, A K. Trace element concentration in the Awe-Keana brinesfield, Central Nigeria: Environmental and Huaman health implications 2013 In press).
[7]	Lar, U.A., Tsuwang, K. D. and Mangs, A. D. Lead and mercury contamination associated with artisanal gold mining in Anka, Zamfara State, north western Nigeria: a continuing story of the unabated Zamfara lead poisoning (2013 unpublished M.Sc Thesis, University of Jos , Nigeria).
[8]	Lacerda, L.D. Mercury distribution in sediments profile of remote high Pantanal Lakes, central Brazil. Biogeochemical, 1991; 14: 17-77
[9]	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Low Level Lead Exposure Harms Children: A Renewed Call for Primary Prevention" pdf. Retrieved 5 January 2012.
[10]	Funtua, .I. Distribution of Radium 226 around Kanawa uranium mineralization, north eastern Nigeria. Journal of Mining and Geology, 1997; 33, 57 – 61
[11]	Umar, I.M. and Rabiu, N. Radioactivity levels around the Jos Tin Mines and Mills. Book of Abstracts, 30th NMGS Annual International Conference, Jos, 1994; 33.
[12]	Adiuku-Brown,M.E. The effects of mining and associated by-products: A special study of trace elements in Jos Plateau and Zurak mine dumps, North Central Nigeria Unpublished 2001; Ph.D Thesis, University of Jos. Pp204.
[13]	Jwanbot, D.J. and Ike, E.E. Measurement of permissible radiation level in mineral processing plants in Jos and environs, Journal of Environmental Sciences, 1999; 3, (1), 125-130.
[14]	Adaikpoh, E.O, Nwejei, G.E. and Ogala, J.E. Heavy metals contrations in coal and sediments frim River Ekulu in Enugu, Coal City of Nigeria. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Mgt 2005, 9 (3), 5-8.
[15]	Ezeh, H.N. and Chukwu, E. Small Scale Mining and heavy metals pollution of agricultural soils: The case of Ishiagu Mining District, South Eastern Nigeria. Journal of Geology and Mining Research, 2011; 3(4), 87-104. April 2011.
[16]	Akunlola, O.A. and Soetan, O. Heavy metal contamination in stream sediments, soil and surface water around the iron ore mining site Itakpe-Okene, central Nigeria. Book of Abstracts, 41st NMGS Annual Conference Lagos, 2005.
[17]	Olatunji, A.S. and Abimbola, A.F. The Geochemistry of the Lagos Lagoon sediments and its environmental implications. Book of Abstracts, 41st NMGS annual international conference, Lagos, 2005; 66.
[18]	Abimbola, A.F., Laniyan, T.A., Okunola, O.W., Odewande, A.A., Ajibade, O.M. and Kolawole, T. Water quality test of areas surrounding selected refuse dumpsites in Ibadan, southwestern Nigeria. Water Resources, 2005; 16, 39-48.
[19]	Okoronkwo, M,O, and Tiwari, I.C. The prevalence of Endemic Goitre Among Preadolescent and Adolescent Children in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Northern Nigeria. Proceedings of Nigeria – Japan Joint Conference on Trace Metal, Goitre, Dirrhoea, Medical Entomology and Epidemology, 1987; 59 – 62 . Japap In. Cop.Ag
[20]	Ubom, G.A and Nodac, C. Goitre and water factor relationship. Proceedings of Nigeria/Japan joint Conference on trace metal, goiter, diarrhea, Medical entomology and Epidemology. Japan International Corporation Agency. 1987; 68-69.
[21]	Isichei, U.P. Towards the Prevention, Control and Eradication of IDD in Plateau State and neighbouring North Eastern state of Bauchi, Gongola, Kano, Borno in the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Past Present and Planned Future Activities. Proceedings of the National workshop on IDD in Nigeria. Federal Ministry of Health/UNICEF. 1991; 34 –42.
[22]	World Health Organisation Guidelines for drinking water quality. 2nd Ed., 1996; 2, Health criteria and other supporting information. Published by International Programme on Chemical Safety, WHO, Geneva.
[23]	Lar, U.A, Dibal, H.U, Daspan, R.I and Jaryum, S.W. Fluoride occurrence in the surface and groundwaters of Fobur area of Jos East LGA, Plateau State. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2007; 11, 2, 99 – 105.
[24]	Dibal, H.U. and Lar, U.A. . Preliminary survey of fluoride concentrations in the groundwater of Kaltungo area, Gombe State, northeastern Nigeria. Journal of Environmental Sciences, 2005;9, Vol. 2, 41-52.
[25]	Alakija,W. Dental caries in primary school children in Nigeria. Journal of Tropical Pediatrics1983; (6) 29 pp317-319.
[26]	Rogel et al., Lung cancer attributable to indoor radon exposure in France, impact of the risk models and uncertainty analysis. Environment and Health perspectives 2006; 114(9):1361-6
[27]	Collignan, B. Le radon dans les Batiments. Geosciences et Sante, 2007; No.5 BRGM.
[28]	Collignan , B and Millet, J.R. Estimation of radon concentration in house using a simple ventilation model – Radon in the living environment, 19-23 April 1999 Athens Workshop, Greece.
[29]	Wind , A. Keeping it real. Geoscientist, The magazine of the Geological Society of London. 2009; Vol.19 No.5 pp16-21.
[30]	World Health Organization. Inorganic lead. Environmental Health crtiteria no. 165 IPCS (international program on Chemical Safety), 1995.
[31]	Canfield, R.L., Henderson, C.R.. Cory-Slectra., Cox, C. Jusko, T.A., and Lanphear, B.P. Imtellectual imparement in children with blood lead concentration below microg per decilitre. N. Engl. J. Med., 2003; 348 (16): 1517 – 1526.
[32]	Piantone, P. Mercure natural et santé. Geoscience et Sante No.5 BRGN’s Journal for Sustainable Earth. 2007; Pp 46 – 51.
[33]	Davies, T.C. Some environmental problems of geomedical relevance in East and Southern Africa. In: Geology and Health. Oxford Univ. Press. Elsevier.2003; pp139-144

Cite This Article

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Lar, Uriah Alexander. (2013). Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sciences, 2(3), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Lar; Uriah Alexander. Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2013, 2(3), 66-72. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Lar, Uriah Alexander. Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2013;2(3):66-72. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11,
  author = {Lar and Uriah Alexander},
  title = {Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria},
  journal = {Earth Sciences},
  volume = {2},
  number = {3},
  pages = {66-72},
  doi = {10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.earth.20130203.11},
  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 hydro-geochemical 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.},
 year = {2013}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria
AU  - Lar
AU  - Uriah Alexander
Y1  - 2013/06/10
PY  - 2013
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
T2  - Earth Sciences
JF  - Earth Sciences
JO  - Earth Sciences
SP  - 66
EP  - 72
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
AB  - 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 hydro-geochemical 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.
VL  - 2
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download

Author Information

Lar
Uriah Alexander

Download PDF

Sections

Plain Text BibTeX RIS

APA Style

Lar, Uriah Alexander. (2013). Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sciences, 2(3), 66-72. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

ACS Style

Lar; Uriah Alexander. Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2013, 2(3), 66-72. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

AMA Style

Lar, Uriah Alexander. Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria. Earth Sci. 2013;2(3):66-72. doi: 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11

Copy | Download

@article{10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11,
  author = {Lar and Uriah Alexander},
  title = {Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria},
  journal = {Earth Sciences},
  volume = {2},
  number = {3},
  pages = {66-72},
  doi = {10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.earth.20130203.11},
  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 hydro-geochemical 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.},
 year = {2013}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Trace Elements and Health: An Environmental Risk in Nigeria
AU  - Lar
AU  - Uriah Alexander
Y1  - 2013/06/10
PY  - 2013
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
T2  - Earth Sciences
JF  - Earth Sciences
JO  - Earth Sciences
SP  - 66
EP  - 72
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2328-5982
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.earth.20130203.11
AB  - 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 hydro-geochemical 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.
VL  - 2
IS  - 3
ER  -

Copy | Download