2
Benefits of Geochemistry and Its Impact on Human Health

Abel Inobeme1, Charles Oluwaseun Adetunji2*, Muhammad Akram3, Maliki Munirat1, Inamuddin6, Umme Laila3, S.O. Okonkwo4, Saher Islam7 and Jonathan Inobeme5

1Department of Chemistry, Edo University Iyamho, Iyamho, Nigeria

2Applied Microbiology, Biotechnology and Nanotechnology Laboratory, Department of Microbiology, Edo University Iyamho, Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria

3Department of Eastern Medicine, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan

4Department of Chemistry, Osaka Kyoiku University, Osaka, Japan

5Department of Geography, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria

6Department of Chemistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

7Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biosciences, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan

Abstract

Globally, mankind is suffering from numerous diseases and nutritional deficiencies. The rapid increase in the population of the whole world has aggravated this scenario. The population of mankind has been stipulated to increase tremendously to 9 billion in the year 2050. Some of the challenges currently experience by majority of the global population includes suffering from several diseases, nutritional deficiencies, tropical diseases, etc. Therefore, there is a need to harness all the various natural resources available in the soil and rocks, which are present in every part of the world. Proper understanding of the benefits and demerits of these essential elements might be a proper way in establishing the role in alleviating several health challenges, nutritional disorderliness, and their application in the management of human diseases. Therefore, this chapter intends to report detailed information on the application of these essential minerals for the treatment of human diseases, like dental problem, cancer, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), goiter, and many more. Special attention was also laid on the application of these essential elements for the management of animal and plant diseases. Also, special highlights were made on some factor like temperature, rainfall, and hardness of water that affect the geochemical nature.

Keywords: Geochemistry, human health, nutritional disorderliness, dental problem, cancer, hypertension

2.1 Introduction

The pattern of dissemination of mineral elements in the crust of the Earth is not spontaneous but is regulated by physico-chemical processes, which are becoming better understood due to geochemical development [1]. Knowledge of the geochemical distribution of elements involves elucidating the comparative and unlimited abundance of the chemical elements on Earth and in its various sections-the crust, hydrophere interior, and atmosphere. It is a large part of the geochemical research, which deals with space and time distribution of the chemical elements and the rules governing it allocation [2]. Geochemistry is a unique discipline that deals with the learning that involves deposits of the mineral. Mineralization includes process that are chemical in nature that could eventually result in metal precipitation or formation of minerals. Therefore, it is essential to perform research that entails geochemical features of mineral deposits. It deals with the complex interactions between the structures of rock-soil-water-air life, which display marked variation from place to place [1]. Depending on the mineral, minerals basically refer to inorganic nutrients that are typically needed in varying amounts from lower to higher amount than 1 to 2,500 mg per day. Typical examples of this include the application of calcium to build and sustain bone and normal nervous and muscular function [3]. Multiple micronutrient powder containing at least vitamin A, iron, and zinc were added to the 2019 WHO List of Essential Medicines [4]. At the 1990 World Children's Summit, the countries gathered described deficiencies in 2 micro minerals and micronutrient (iron, iodine, and vitamin A) as being primarily widespread and presenting health risks in developing countries [5].

A mineral is an inorganic element or compound which occurs naturally and has an internal structure with unique chemical composition, crystal shape, and physical properties. Minerals such as gold are metallic or non-metallic, for example, talc [6]. A mineral occurrence is a concentration of a mineral that is considered important by someone else or that is of scientific or technological value (usually regarded in terms of some material, like gold). In extreme cases, the product cannot even be concentrated above its normal abundance of crystals [6]. Therefore, this chapter will provide holistic information on the application of these essential mineral for the treatment of human diseases. The merits and the demerits of these essential elements were highlighted. Further suggestions and recommendation that could led to extensive research on the application of geochemistry majorly that focuses on unreported essential mineral and their practical utilization for the management of several human diseases.

2.2 General Overview of Geochemistry and Human Health

The function of geo-chemistry especially geochemistry which deals with environmental sector is very important because it deals with elements geographical distribution and gave the information about different studies including agriculture, fertility of soil, mineral exploration, nutrition, pollution and animal health, and most important human health [7]. Other than in geochemistry, we also discuss the presence of trace element and their role in different field [8]. Some elements play significant role in human health. In geochemistry, mostly, we discuss the distribution of elements on earth crust or earth surface and then researcher note the result of these elements either it is good for human health or not [9]. Some trace element effective for human health or some shows toxic effect, these elements also affect the fertility of soil [10]. Human health mostly affected when toxic or more amount of element is taking in the form of water or food and from atmosphere. Many trace elements like iodine and fluorine and many more are essential for human health, e.g., by the deficiency of iodine many health-related problems like goiter occur, due to fluoride deficiency dental problem occurs. The health-related problem in human mostly correlate with soil and due to this either man suffered with specific-illness or cause general health issue. Soil related problem mostly occur in those individuals who used soil for eating purpose; then, it causes health issue because it contains some toxic element and when people inhale these elements then it causes toxic effect on health. Nowadays, this health-related issue in human, animal, and plants which are affected through soil takes attention of web. If the level of these elements in soil increase or decrease, then it causes health related problem and affected the production of crops and agriculture, e.g., some areas have low level of trace elements like rocks of arenaceous and granite. For the investigation of human health and application of agriculture and ecology, the role of regional geo-chemical is very important. These trace elements cause many nutritional and health related problem like cancer, HTN mostly occurs through cadmium, multiple sclerosis cause due to lead and CVD problem occurs due to hardness of water. The chances of cancer mostly occur in those individuals who worked in industry then it affective through the environment, air, water, and lifestyle. The role of geo-chemistry is very important in both human health and agriculture [11].

2.2.1 Types of Geochemistry

Geochemistry divided into different types include: regional geo-chemistry, isotope geo-chemistry, organic geo-chemistry, photo geo-chemistry, cosmo-chemistry, biogeo-chemistry, and aqueous geo-chemistry.

2.2.2 Some Beneficial Effect of Some Mineral With Health Benefits

The nutritional value of the mineral elements cannot be overemphasized in animals, humans, and plants. The incorporation of mineral element inside animal feed has been shown to improve the process involved metabolic activities of the animal. Livestock grazing usually receives no mineral supplement except sodium chloride and must rely almost entirely on forage for their mineral requirements most especially from tropical regions [3]. Most metals, including copper pipes or iron skillets, are used for making solid and sturdy everyday items. But, in our bodies, they do not form such solid and lasting artifacts. Instead, it takes a lot of vital metals to activate enzymes-molecules with important body jobs. Metals do have many other important positions. Regular intakes of many minerals are needed for the human body to continue its basic functioning. The minerals elements such as zinc, calcium, magnesium, copper, and manganese are considered to be essential for the appropriate functioning and development of the well-being of the living organism. Many other criteria are for trace minerals [12]. Mineral deficiencies may be caused by low-quality feed, poor body absorption, or assimilation or result to higher request for minerals element during lactation, intense development, and pregnancy. Essential minerals-that is, those required for human health- are divided into two equally important groups: main minerals and trace minerals [13]. The main minerals used and processed in human body are calcium,...