Potential Source of Heavy Metals in the Geophagic Clay (Marl) and Its Implication on Human Health in NE Iraq: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Geophagy is the eating of non-food earthy matters practice (such as clay), which is performed especially in humans, to augment a scanty or mineral-deficient diet or as part of a cultural tradition. Geophagy, the intentional ingestion of clay or soil, is a prevalent practice among animals and humans, especially is more common in young ages, such as children and among pregnant women with a young age. In spite of some well documented cases, the motivations of this practice and its consequences on the status of health of the consumer are still unclear. This study focused on the source of heavy metals and its health impact because of the importance of the topic in the environmental hazards, especially as this addictive phenomenon may not be well known among families in our societies. During this study, twenty-four samples of marl were collected within the rock sequences of the Fatha Formation in the Kirkuk and Diyala, which are used in eating (mud eating disease) in these regions. The samples were subjected to laboratory studies including chemical analyses, to determine their contents of trace elements. The laboratory analytical data showed that these muds (marl) contain different concentrations of chemical elements such as (Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) which are among the heavy toxic elements and harmful to human health. A close look at the analytical data and results of the statistical and environmental factors, it is found that the marl (geophagia) consumption in terms of its content of trace elements, poses health risks to the consumer. However, it is worth mentioning to say that Geophagia practice may contribute large levels of the most beneficial elements such as Ca, Fe, K, Na, Cu, and Zn, supplying in demand mineral nutrients in the human body.