Geo-ecology of zinc-copper deficiency diseases in the foot hill settlements of pir panjal range

The present research work was an attempt to investigate the geo-ecology of Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) deficiency diseases in the foot hill settlements of Pir Panjal range in Anantnag district of Kashmir valley. The study revealed that the diet of the people in the area is determined by their financial status which forces them to rely mostly on locally cultivated food items. More than 62.4% households comprising low (Rs. <5, 000 / month) and medium (Rs. 5, 000-10, 000 / month) income status households have inadequate income to afford proper food, health and other services. It was found that the Zn and Cu content in all the soil samples (Zn: 0.570-1.972 mg kg-1; Cu: 0.930-3.968 mg kg-1) are less than the average values in the world soils (Zn: 64 mg kg-1; Cu: 20 mg kg-1). The Zn and Cu content in drinking water sources (Zn: 0.016-0.217 mg L-1; Cu: 0.012-0.018 mg L-1) were found more than the average concentrations of Zn and Cu in world fresh water sources (Zn: 0.0006 mg L-1; Cu: 0.002 mg L-1) but less than required and acceptable limits (BIS: Zn: 5 mg L-1; Cu: 0.05 mg L-1). Study revealed that about 3.1 percent and 2.3 percent of the population in sample villages suffered from zinc and copper deficiency diseases respectively. These deficiency diseases can be attributed mainly to the deficiency of the Zn and Cu in soils and drinking waters (and hence food), high dependence on local foods (67.89%) and inappropriate cooking methods and lifestyle.