Journal
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
Volume 12, Issue 10, Pages -Publisher
MDPI
DOI: 10.3390/app12104832
Keywords
geophagy; geochemistry; mineralogy; risk assessment; Maputo city
Categories
Funding
- GeoBioTec Research Centre - FEDER funds through the Operational Program Competitiveness Factors COMPETE [UID/GEO/04035/2019 + UIDB/04035/2020]
- National Funds through FCT
- Portuguese Institute Camoes
- FNI (Investigation National Fund-Mozambique)
Ask authors/readers for more resources
This study characterizes and estimates the risk assessment of consuming geophagic materials in Maputo city, revealing potential health risks to teeth and colon due to the physical and chemical properties of these materials.
This study aims to characterize and estimate risk assessment associated with geophagic materials consumption in Maputo city (Mozambique). Samples were collected in extraction mines, unprepared and prepared ones, and in Maputo markets. Fractions < 2 mm (total consumed material) and <63 mu m were analyzed to determine pH, EC, OM, chemical composition (XRF), and mineral phases present (XRD). The results revealed pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, and electrical conductivity ranging from 13 to 47 mu S/cm in mine unprepared and prepared samples, while 264-465 mu S/cm in sampled sold in markets. Organic matter content was <2.76%, except in one sample (8.14%), suggesting a potential risk of containing bacteria. Textural analysis revealed that sand-size particles were more representative in all samples (57.2-93.02%). Mineralogical phases identified in the consumed sample were ranked quartz (>60%) > Fe oxides/hidroxides > phyllosilicates (micas and kaolinite) > feldspars, suggesting a risk of dental enamel damage and perforation of the sigmoid colon. The chemical concentration of some elements was higher than recommended daily dose, suggesting a potential risk. However, geophagic materials' chemical composition does not pose a carcinogenic risk.
Authors
I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.
Reviews
Recommended
No Data Available