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Effects of soil trace elements on longevity population in China
Yuan Liu1, Yonghua Li, Yu Jiang
1Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 11A Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China.
Biological Trace Element Research
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Soil element concentrations, particularly selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni), are linked to longevity across China. Higher Se and Co levels correlate with increased longevity, while Ni shows a negative association, impacting population health and aging patterns.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Demography
Background:
- Soil element concentrations vary geographically in China.
- Population aging is unevenly distributed, with higher percentages in the Southwest and East coast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between soil element distribution and longevity across Chinese provinces.
- To identify specific soil elements that correlate with longevity indicators.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of background soil element concentrations.
- Utilizing data from China's sixth population census.
- Regression analysis to model longevity index based on soil elements.
Main Results:
- Longevity is higher in Southern and Southwestern China, lower in the North.
- Soil selenium (Se) concentration positively correlates with longevity.
- Barium (Ba) and Nickel (Ni) concentrations show a negative correlation with longevity.
Conclusions:
- Soil geochemistry, specifically Se, Co, and Ni levels, significantly influences regional longevity patterns in China.
- The findings provide insights into environmental factors affecting population health and aging.
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