Chemical Composition of Clay Soil Analysis and Potential Health Risks: Experimental Study in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province

Mohora Feida Malebatja*, Moreoagae Bertha Randa, Mathildah Mpata Mokgatle, Oluwafemi Omoniyi Oguntibeju

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The practise of geophagy is common amongst women of childbearing age from different geographic locations, including South Africa, regardless of their social and economic status such as their level of education, race, marital status, income or occupation. This study aimed to examine the women of childbearing age in Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, South Africa. An experimental study was conducted at the laboratory to examine the chemical composition of clay soil ingested by geophagic women of childbearing age. Thirty-nine clay soil samples were collected from study participants attending antenatal care services and family planning at public healthcare facilities of Tshwane District, Gauteng Province, and subjected to geochemical analysis. The concentrations of vanadium, manganese, chromium, and barium were detected in quantities exceeding 100 mg/kg in almost all samples. Cadmium, mercury and silver were detected in low concentrations below 1 mg/kg in all samples. The practice of geophagy amongst women of childbearing age has been reported to be associated with detrimental health outcomes and risks such as iron deficiency anaemia, constipation, shortness of breath, maternal and childhood mortalities and morbidities, neurological and central nervous system disorder, death, appendicitis, cancers, teratogenic risks, and ulcers. The chemical composition of clay soil eaten by geophagic women of childbearing age contains potentially harmful substances, thus the practise of geophagy is toxic and should be discouraged to protect public health.

Original languageEnglish
Article number9152
JournalApplied Sciences (Switzerland)
Volume14
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2024

Keywords

  • Tshwane District
  • chemicals
  • clay soil
  • geophagy
  • potential health risk
  • soil addiction
  • trace elements
  • women of childbearing age

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