ISSN 2348-1218 (print) International Journal of Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations ISSN 2348-1226 (online) Vol. 9, Issue 1, pp: (12-15), Month: January - March 2021, Available at: www.researchpublish.com
A Preliminary Study on the Iron Content in the Soil of a Residential Area Near by an Iron Workshop in Ernakulam (Dist), Kerala with an Aim to make the Public Aware on the Ill Effects of Iron Overload Problems like Hemochromatosis Dr. Dileesh S. Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, St. Peter's College, Kolenchery, Ernakulam (Dist), Kerala-682311 e-mail: sukumarandileesh@gmail.com
Abstract: Iron overload in human body causes damages to our internal organs and can be fatal if untreated. To make aware of this ill effect to the public living nearby an Iron Workshop in residential area of Ernakulam District in Kerala, a study on the iron concentrations in soil samples collected within a distance of 200 meters around a Iron Workshop was done. It was found that the iron content as Fe (II) was higher than that of the normal value expected within in this area. During the raining season, this excess iron may leach out into the nearby wells. People drinking this well water may have a chance of getting iron overload. Based on our studies we have given awareness to the public regarding the symptoms of iron overload and precautions to be taken. Keywords: Iron Overload, Colourimetry, 2,2’-Biphenyl, Hemochromatosis.
I. INTRODUCTION Iron overload is a condition in which excess iron accumulates in the vital organs due to the absorption of iron in an uncontrolled rate in the human body. [1,2] Chronic fatigue, skin color changes (bronze, ashen-gray green), abdominal pain are some of the primary symptoms of iron overload. Iron over load increases chances of getting liver diseases, diabetic problems, heart problems like heart attack and gland related Problems.[3] Several endocrine disorders like hypogonadism [3,5] are also widely reported. It may also initiate the worsening of neurogendrative diseases.[3,5] There are two types of iron overloads namely genetically(hereditary) induced and non-genetically induced . Genetic disorders include Primiary Hemochromatosis[6-10] and Juvenile hemochromatosis.[11] Secondary hemochromatosis are those caused by blood transfusions or by taking large amount of iron rich supplements.[6-10] Besides this thalassemia[12], sickle cell disease, enzyme deficiencies and abnormal protein transports disorders like atransferrinema[13] are also examples for non-genetic iron overload problems. Another non genetic, hemochromatosis found in new born babies is Neonatal hemochromatosis.[14] Iron reduction therapy is a widely used method to treat Iron Overload. In this therapy, the patient’s blood is removed by Phlebotomy (Venisection) with the permission of a Physician.[3] If the hemoglobin level of a patient is sufficient, the doctor advises the patient to donate his /her blood routinely. If the hemoglobin level of a patient is low, the doctor advises chelation therapy using iron chelating agent desferrioxamine.[15] Sometimes both therapies are used simultaneously for the effective removal of excess iron.
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