Mineralogical and geochemical analyses of the healing elements in clayey soils from Isinuka traditional spa in Port St Johns, South Africa

ABSTRACT

Clay from Isinuka Springs in the Port St Johns area of the Eastern Cape of South Africa is used by local people for cosmetic purposes and for the treatment of an array of ailments and diseases. This study relates the acclaimed cosmetic and therapeutic properties of the clay to its mineralogical and geochemical composition and properties. The clay samples were dried and their pH measured. They were all found to be alkaline. Particle size distribution experiments were carried out. X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses detected various amounts of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr, U and Zn in the samples. The highest mean concentration of an element recorded was for Sr, with a mean value of 2550 ppm. X-ray diffraction was used to elucidate the mineralogical composition of the samples. Results showed that the clay, though useful for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes, poses a health risk, especially on repeated exposure. The acclaimed dermatological properties of the clays may be ascribed to the presence of S, Cu, Zn, Ti and As in the samples. Microbiological analysis of the samples may shed more light on the possible medicinal properties of the clays.

Keywords:

• Clay
• chemicals
• mineralogy
• Isinuka traditional spa
• healing

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Corrigendum

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The author would like to thank the Directorate of Research Development, Walter Sisulu University for financial assistance.