US Climate and Health Alliance

Exposure to multiple metals from groundwater-a global crisis: geology, climate change, health effects, testing, and mitigation

Abstract

This paper presents an overview of the global extent of naturally occurring toxic metals in groundwater. Adverse health effects attributed to the toxic metals most commonly found in groundwater are reviewed, as well as chemical, biochemical, and physiological interactions between these metals. Synergistic and antagonistic effects that have been reported between the toxic metals found in groundwater and the dietary trace elements are highlighted, and common behavioural, cultural, and dietary practices that are likely to significantly modify health risks due to use of metal-contaminated groundwater are reviewed. Methods for analytical testing of samples containing multiple metals are discussed, with special attention to analytical interferences between metals and reagents. An overview is presented of approaches to providing safe water when groundwater contains multiple metallic toxins.

Resource Type
Peer-reviewed article
Authors
Erika Mitchell Seth Frisbie Bibudhendra Sarkar
Resource URL
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2011/MT/c1mt00052g#!divAbstract
Publication
Metallomics: Integrated Biometal Science
Journal Abbr.
Metallomics
Volume
3
Issue
9
Pages
874-908
Date
Sep 2011
DOI
10.1039/c1mt00052g
ISSN
1756-591X
Short Title
Exposure to multiple metals from groundwater-a global crisis
Health and Human Impact
Other disease
Climate and Environmental Impact
Water

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