Document Type : Original Research Paper
Authors
1
,Geological Survey of Iran, Kerman Centre, Kerman, Iran
2
Department of Geology, Shahid Bahonar University, Kerman, Iran
Abstract
Geological processes, mining activities, Agricultural wastes and industrial dumps are considered as the main sources of the toxic materials in the geoenvironmental cycle. Although, some beneficial chemicals can control diseases such as pests, the severe impacts of toxic minerals and elements on the geoenvironmental cycle are causing different diseases. studies by geoenvironmentalists show that chemical weathering of rocks, mine dumps, industrial and agricultural wastes release toxic elements (Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, etc.......) in the geoenvironmental cycle and causes environmental diseases. Most of the elements in the earth crust disperse through soils, waters and air and will ultimately be concentrated in the tissues of the biological systems. When elements are taken three times in excess of their normal concentration in the body, they are considered to be toxic Chalcophile elements are the most toxic groups (Hg, Cd, Zn, Ni, Co, Pb, As, Sb, Bi), followed by the lithophile toxic elements (Al, Ba, Be and TI). Some of the transitional elements (Ca, Fe, Mn) and radioactive elements are also considered to be dangerous and carcinogenic. Environmental investigations show that major elements (Na, K, Rb, Cs, Ca, C, N, F, P, CI and S) are essential for body and do not give dangerous respenses, even when taken in much excess. Among the minerals, serpentine groups are reported to be very carcinogenic. Excess of SO2 in the air (0.2mg/liter) is dangerous and sometimes lethal. The results of this paper indicate that in the geoenvironmental cycle toxic minerals and elements are dispersed through biosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and finally reach biological systems, leading to heart, chronic and cancer diseases.
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