Changes

Health issues arising from high cadmium concentration has also been established in the central parts of Jamaica (Fig. 8). It occurs in the soil of a region with limestone and an overlying aluminum-rich bauxite deposit (Wright et al, 2010). Cadmium exists in a phosphatic band that forms the interface between the two lithologies. Further research indicates that the phosphatic band contains fossilized fish bones and teeth suggesting a marine origin. The processes of weathering release cadmium from the phosphatic band into the soil.

Health issues arising from high cadmium concentration has also been established in the central parts of Jamaica (Fig. 8). It occurs in the soil of a region with limestone and an overlying aluminum-rich bauxite deposit (Wright et al, 2010). Cadmium exists in a phosphatic band that forms the interface between the two lithologies. Further research indicates that the phosphatic band contains fossilized fish bones and teeth suggesting a marine origin. The processes of weathering release cadmium from the phosphatic band into the soil.

[[FIG 8]]

[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_8.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|8}}]]

This has drastically increased the cadmium level in Jamaican soil to maximum values of 900 mg/kg against cadmium levels in other parts of the world which range from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.5 mk/kg (Wright et al, 2010).

This has drastically increased the cadmium level in Jamaican soil to maximum values of 900 mg/kg against cadmium levels in other parts of the world which range from 0.1 mg/kg to 0.5 mk/kg (Wright et al, 2010).

Amongst the above plant species, yam and carrot show the greatest ability to store cadmium. The concentration of cadmium in yam increases as the soil Cd level increases; it, however, decreases at low levels indicating toxicity as shown in Fig. 9.

Amongst the above plant species, yam and carrot show the greatest ability to store cadmium. The concentration of cadmium in yam increases as the soil Cd level increases; it, however, decreases at low levels indicating toxicity as shown in Fig. 9.

[[FIG 9]]

[[File:UNN_Medical_Geology_Fig_9.png|thumb|400px|{{figure number|9}}]]

Toxicity effects of cadmium occurred in Jamaica as a result of food intake from Cd- contaminated food crops, legumes and vegetables. The mean Cd intake was 9.3 μg/kg bodyweight/week above WHO guideline of 7 μg/kg bodyweight/week while the drinking water standard for cadmium is 5μg l-1 (Wright et al, 2010).

Toxicity effects of cadmium occurred in Jamaica as a result of food intake from Cd- contaminated food crops, legumes and vegetables. The mean Cd intake was 9.3 μg/kg bodyweight/week above WHO guideline of 7 μg/kg bodyweight/week while the drinking water standard for cadmium is 5μg l-1 (Wright et al, 2010).