Effect of Various Metals on Human Body in Mine and the Districts

(2) Regional variation of metals in rice, potato and urine

Abstract

One hundred fifty eight rice, 153 potato and 762 urine samples from 24 sections at 5 districts in Tohoku Province were collected to examine the regional property on mine areas. Rice and potato samples were analyzed for heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Al) and non heavy metals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, P, Si) using an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP) and an atomic absorption spectrometry. Urine samples were analyzed for Cd, Cu and Zn. The results showed that, with rice, the concentration had the closed interaction with the river contamination of metals, but with potato, with the property of soil. In non heavy metal in rice and potato, Mg and P indicated high values in mine areas, and Na and Si, in control areas. Urinary Cd concentration showed the highest value in Osarizawa which the concentration of heavy metals in rice and potato were lower than Kosaka. We pointed out that this discrepancy resulted from the difference of past exposure contents between these two districts.