Medical Geology of Africa

A Research Primer

1st Edition - June 14, 2024
Imprint: Elsevier
Author: Theophilus Clavell Davies
Language: English
Paperback ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 8 7 4 8 - 7
eBook ISBN:
9 7 8 - 0 - 1 2 - 8 1 8 7 4 9 - 4

Medical Geology of Africa: A Research Primer explores the connection between geological materials and processes and human health in Africa. A synopsis on current state of knowle… Read more

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Medical Geology of Africa: A Research Primer explores the connection between geological materials and processes and human health in Africa. A synopsis on current state of knowledge is given for a selection of some of the more critical issues in African Medical Geology. Gaps in knowledge are exposed, and directions are given for navigating the most recent bibliography of the more pressing Medical Geology issues by future researchers. Guidelines for researching gaps in knowledge are prescribed and are intended for researchers eager to make urgently needed contributions towards an understanding of how judicious exploitation of the interphase between geology and health can help unravel environmental disease causality, especially of those (diseases) of unknown aetiology (DUA) which are so widespread on the African Continent.

Title of Book
Cover image
Title page
Table of Contents
Copyright
About the author
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
Part I: Some topical issues in medical geology of Africa: current knowledge and research gaps
1. General introduction
Abstract
Key Chapter features
Historical evolution of Medical Geology in Africa
Geology and health in Africa
A natural laboratory for Medical Geology research
Medical Geology and the leading causes of mortality in Africa
Researchable topics in Medical Geology of Africa
Glossary of Terms
References
2. Project selection, proposal writing, and project execution in medical geology
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Thesis or dissertation?
What is project selection?
Why do project selection?
Finding the right research project
Main features of a good medical geology research project?
At which stage of your project planning do you do “project selection”?
How does the project selection process differ for an MSc versus PhD thesis/dissertation?
Selecting your supervision committee
The project supervision process
Writing your research proposal
The required manuscript format
Cover page and “table of contents”
Title selection
Abstract
Introduction
Statement of the problem, subproblems, and research questions
The research hypotheses: basic assumptions
Aims, objectives, and purposes
Significance and justification (rationale) of the study
The literature review
The research design
Research method and methodology
Data gathering mechanisms and procedures
Data management and analysis
Analyzing the data
Presentation of the research findings
Expected outcomes
Discussion
Delimitations of the research
Project management
Plan of work and time schedule
Estimated budget
Project monitoring and evaluation
Stylization and structure in document preparation
Institutional approval
Your conclusions
Acknowledgments
References/bibliography
Suggestions for the list of appendices
Definitions of terms used in your proposal/thesis/dissertation /report
Submission of project proposal/thesis/dissertation/project report
Project presentation
Proposal/ thesis/dissertation defense
Dissertation/thesis assessment
Post-examination review: revision of project/thesis/dissertation report and dissemination
Dissemination strategies
Researcher declaration
Chapter conclusion
Review questions and suggested areas for further research
Glossary of terms
References
3. Geoenvironmental variables as causal cofactors of diseases of unknown etiology
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
A note on causality
Understanding health risks
The geo-environment as an agent of illness
Climate change, our immune system, and infectious diseases
Effect of climate change on the geoenvironmental determinants of health in Africa
Geoenvironmental variables and the human immune system
Geochemical dynamics of immune system response during pathogenesis
The quintessential role of nutritional elements in immune system function: Cu, Zn, Mg, Mn, Fe and Se
Immune system research in Africa
Disease clusters
The value of environmental risk maps
Conclusions
Suggested areas of further research
Glossary of Terms
References
Further Reading
4. Environmental health impacts of geogenic pollution in Africa
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Nature and sources of soil pollution in Africa
Geogenic sources of water pollution
The nature and sources of air pollutants
Environmental health impacts of soil pollution
Environmental health impacts of water pollution
How big a problem is air pollution in Africa?
Ozone
The intersection of climate change and air pollution
Addressing the issues
Remediation of affected soils
Addressing prevention and control of water pollution
Legislative issues of mine water pollution
What are some of the interventions that African countries can implement to reduce air pollution?
Policy briefs
Gaps in knowledge: water pollution and health
Glossary of terms
References
Further reading
5. Combatting effects of ionizing radiation exposure around uranium and gold mines in Sub-Saharan Africa
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Radiation fundamentals
Nonionizing radiation
Ionizing radiation
Naturally occurring radioactive materials and technologically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive materials
Pathways of occupational exposure to ionizing radiation
The nuclear fuel cycle
Occupational exposure to ionizing radiation during uranium and gold mining in Sub-Saharan Africa
Dose assessment
Proximal populations
Biokinetic models for assessing internal exposure
Models for different routes of entry
Models for systemic radionuclides
Uranium: the world scenario
Africa’s uranium story
Dosimetric quantities
Radiation measuring equipment
Measuring radioactivity of materials in a uranium mine or mill
Types of radiation effects
Summary of health effects of ionizing radiation in uranium and gold mining
Sensitive populations
Effects of radiation on the developing fetus
Radiological impacts on nonhuman biota
Radon
Radon research in Africa
Methods for reducing radon concentrations in homes and buildings
Radon as a carcinogen—management issues
Measurement of radon
Epidemiological approach in studying effects of ionizing radiation exposure
Awareness/education
Case histories
Namibia
Niger
South Africa
Ionizing radiation protection: legislatory and regulatory guidelines
Radiation protection programs
Conclusion
Interdisciplinary networks in researching ionizing radiation exposure: effects, mitigation and management
Suggestions for further research
References
Further readings
6. Geophagic practices in Africa
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Historical prevalence, diversity, and distribution of geophagy in Africa
Contemporary practices
Geophagy among animals
The etiological debate
Health perspectives
Demerits of geophagy
Social, cultural, psychological, and religious perspectives on geophagy
Suggested areas for further research
Conclusion
References
Further reading
Part II: An exposition of some key geomedically important elements, with Africa case descriptions
7. Introduction
Sources
Associations (synergism/antagonism)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on the element in Africa
Other suggested areas for further research in Africa
Glossary of terms
Bibliography
Reference
8. Medical geology of arsenic
Abstract
Key chapter features
Sources
Igneous rocks
Sedimentary rocks
Minerals
Soils
Plants
Food crops and other major dietary sources
Natural waters
Drinking water
Air
Associations (additive/synergistic/antagonistic)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, routes of exposure/mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on arsenic in Africa
Suggested areas for further arsenic research in Africa
Glossary of terms
References
Further reading
9. Medical geology of fluorine
Abstract
Key chapter features
Sources
Association (additive/synergistic/antagonistic)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, routes of exposure/mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Fluoride absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on fluoride in Africa
Suggested areas for further fluoride research in Africa
Glossary of terms
References
Further readings
10. Medical geology of iodine
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Sources
Association (additive/synergistic/antagonistic)
Chemical form or speciation of iodine in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mode of entry into food chains/absorption, bioavailability and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Iodine supplementation
Reduction of body burden/elimination
Measurement of iodine concentration
Current status of geomedical research on iodine in Africa
Suggested areas for further iodine research
Glossary of terms
References
Further reading
11. Medical geology of lead
Abstract
Key chapter features
Sources
Associations (synergism/antagonism)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on lead in Africa
Suggested areas for further research in Africa
Glossary of Terms
References
Further reading
12. Medical geology of manganese
Abstract
Key chapter features
Introduction
Sources
Associations (additive/synergistic/antagonistic)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on manganese in Africa
Suggested areas for further research on manganese
Glossary of terms
References
Further reading
13. Medical geology of mercury
Abstract
Sources
Associations (synergism/antagonism)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden/elimination
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on mercury in Africa
Other suggested areas for further research in Africa
Glossary of terms
Bibliography
References
14. Medical geology of selenium
Abstract
Key chapter features
Sources
Associations (synergism/antagonism)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation, and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains, and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Analytical determination
Selenium research in Africa
Other suggested areas of further research on geomedical characteristics of selenium
Glossary of terms
References
Further reading
15. Medical geology of zinc
Abstract
Sources
Associations (synergism/antagonism)
Chemical form or speciation in soil and aqueous phases
Environmental circulation and impact of climate change
Mobility, mode of entry into food chains and bioavailability
Absorption and distribution
Metabolic function (essentiality/clinical toxicity)
Supplementation
Reduction of body burden
Analytical determination
Current status of geomedical research on zinc in Africa
Suggested areas for further research
Glossary of terms
References
Further readings
Part III: Conclusion
16. General conclusions
Abstract
Conclusions
References
17. Future perspectives and prospects
Abstract
References
Further reading
Author index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Subject index
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Theophilus Clavell Davies

Theophilus Clavell Davies is a Research Professor (Medical Geology), a Chartered Geologist, and Environmental Consultant, currently based at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa. Formerly Council Member and Trustee of the Geological Society of London (1996 - 2000), he is presently Regional Councillor for southern Africa of the Association of Applied Geochemists (AAG), former member of the Supervisory Board of the International Medical Geology Association (IMGA), Member of the Scientific Committee of the UNESCO International Centre for Global-Scale Geochemistry (ICGG) and Former Member of the IUGS Commission on Geosciences for Environmental Management (GEM). Prof. Davies’ abiding interest centres around the role of geoenvironmental variables as causal co-factors in the aetiology of some obscure diseases (of unknown aetiology) in Africa. He has taught and carried out research, community engagement and consultancy in Germany, Great Britain, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Prof. Davies’ consultancy for the National Bank of Kenya in 1993 led to the discovery of huge gemstone deposits in the Tsavo National Park in southern Kenya, and the commissioning of a mine. Prof. Davies has published over 200 papers (peer-reviewed manuscripts, edited books and book chapters, abstracts, conference papers and reports) in course of these activities, some of which appear in the most reputable international geoscience journals. Prof. Davies is Associate Editor, Guest Editor or Reviewer for several high impact journals, including the Journal of Geochemical Exploration, GEEA and China Geology. He has singly or jointly edited six ‘Special Issues’ of these journals and is the author or co-author of chapters in the inaugural books: “Essentials of Medical Geology - Impacts of the Natural Environment on Public Health” (2005) and “Medical Geology - A Regional Synthesis” (2010). Prof. Davies currently holds the status of “Experienced Researcher” according to the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa ‘Rating System’. Major awards include two from the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of Germany (1986; 1988) and another from the NMGS/Shell Petroleum Ltd. (2014) in recognition of “… persistent and consistent excellent research on the environmental geology of the African continent” [Sic].

Affiliations and expertise

Research Professor (Medical Geology) at the Mangosuthu University of Technology in South Africa

Life Sciences

Physical Sciences & Engineering

Social Sciences & Humanities

Health