
The figure illustrates the five stages of the NDSGeostat project. Part 1 depicts five distinct geochemical data layers superimposed upon each other. Part 2 features a map of Sweden delineating its municipalities alongside the population distribution across the country. Part 3 showcases four maps focusing on various aspects: a) the concentration of cadmium in soil, b) bedrock geology, c) the distribution of Multiple Sclerosis on a regional scale, and d) the distribution of Parkinson's disease on a regional scale. Part 4 presents a schematic representation of the geochemical sample materials, namely soil, water, and plants, and the methodology for measuring metal concentrations within them. Part 5 exhibits a map of Sweden's municipalities alongside a risk indicator ranging from high to low risk.
Linking neurodegenerative diseases to elemental distribution through geospatial statistics
How geography and element distribution can affect the nervous system and brain (NDSGeoStat).
In Sweden, we are exposed to natural and industrial hotspots of potentially harmful elements, primarily metals. Natural hotspots, such as acidic sulfate soils, can negatively impact the environment by releasing heavy metals during acidification. For example, anthropogenic hotspots for elemental emissions in Sweden are linked to historical mining activities. These activities have generated large volumes of waste rock and enrichment sands with high concentrations of metals that may be released into the environment over time. Other anthropogenic sources of harmful elements include industrial activities, such as smelting and refining, and using fertilizers and other chemicals in agriculture. Overall, natural and anthropogenic hotspots where hazardous substances are released are important to study as they can significantly impact the environment and human health.
This project focuses on geological and geochemical data in bedrock, sediment, water, and air and how metals from these sources may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's, and Lewy body dementia. Iron, aluminium, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, and cadmium are some of the released metals that have been shown to play a role in developing some diseases. For example, iron accumulations have been noted in different brain regions in individuals with multiple sclerosis, while elevated copper levels in liver proteins have been linked to the disease's progression. Additionally, conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases have been associated with these metals.
In the project, the scientific fields of medical geology, geospatial statistics, and environmental forensics will be combined to locate hotspots of elements and study how they affect the frequency of certain diseases in different geographical regions. NDSGeoStat begins with comprehensive geospatial statistics involving collecting, combining, and visualizing various types of geoscientific data. Furthermore, geospatial statistics link neurodegenerative diseases to the distribution of elements (metals) in different locations in Sweden. In the next step, medical geology defines how characteristics of rocks and soils and land and water use impact public health. The project will use geoscientific and medical data to identify new and confirm established relationships between geological factors and public health. At a later stage, the hypothetical relationships will be explored using environmental forensics. This systematic and scientific approach uses geoscientific information to provide reliable conclusions about the sources and timing of element and pollutant emissions in the environment, both natural and caused by human activity. Advanced analytical techniques investigate elemental concentrations and isotopic ratios in different environments. The final step is to combine all the new information into a risk assessment map, which can be used to visualize interactions between geochemistry and public health.
The expected results of NDSGeoStat are extensive and groundbreaking. Most notably, demonstrated links between NDS and elements in different environments will enable visualization of discovered associations on a risk map. The project will also produce an interactive map illustrating elevated metal concentrations in Sweden. It will provide a deeper understanding of isotope tracing of pollutants, their mobility, and potential links to public health. Additionally, the project will provide important information about neurotoxic elements in soil, groundwater, and leachate from industrial activities.
The project represents a crucial step towards a safer and healthier environment. This pilot study will support Sweden's goal of achieving a toxin-free environment to protect human health and biodiversity from the harmful effects of natural and anthropogenic substances.
The project is part of the PRECISE – Innovative Precision Health future area at LTU. NDSGeoStat is carried out between June 2023 and May 2027 by PhD candidate Katelyn Murphy.
Scientific leaders
External partners
Karolinska Institutet, Environmental Medicine, Metals and Health
ALS Scandinavia, Emma Engström
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