Physico-chemical and Mineralogical Assessment of Geophagy Clays from Northern Bida Basin, Nigeria and their Health Implications

Abstract

Geophagy is the consumption of earth materials such as clays and this is commonly practiced in some communities in Nigeria, but there is potential for serious health problems accompanying the consumption which require investigations. This research is focused on assessing the geophagic clays from parts of Northern Bida Basin, Nigeria with the aim of determining their compositions and the potential human health risks that may be associated with their consumption. Thirteen clay samples were collected and analyzed for physico-chemical parameters including colour, Particle Size Distribution (PSD), pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), salinity and Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC). X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to determine the mineralogy of the clays. The clays are texturally classified as clay, clayey-silt and silty-clay; dominantly whitish coloured with occasional red-stains which might be attractive to geophagists. Results of the physico-chemical results; pH 3.18-5.52, DO 7.46-11.10 mg/L, TDS 5.36-231 mg/L, CEC 4.71-10.27 cmol(+)/kg, EC 10.06-460.00 μS/cm and salinity 0.10-0.30 (ppt) fall within the ranges of acceptable standard. Mineralogical analysis revealed quartz and kaolinite enrichment which suggest the ability to the clays to hold nutrients, soothe upset stomach, act as protective and detoxifying agents, treat soreness in the digestive track that may be caused by ulcers as well as prevent diarrhea. This study concluded that the colour and other physico-chemical parameters of the clays meet some tolerable standards for ingestion. However, beneficiation is recommended to improve the quality before ingestion.