Manganese in Groundwater and Its Impacts on Humans' Health: A Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.21276/pt.2026.v3.i2.4Keywords:
Low Micronutrients, Cellular enzymes, Neuro-toxicant, Leached, Mobilization, human healthAbstract
Manganese, a key micronutrient on the earth's surface, is mainly found with oxides of iron. Though it does not exist naturally, manganese is a component of more than 100 minerals. Manganese becomes an important trace element for plants, the human body, and animals for their growth and to operate biological activities, as well as for many biological enzymes to work properly. Manganese has also been reported to have importance in different biochemical and physiological processes in humans as well as animals, such as immune response, proper digestion, energy metabolism, reproduction, and homeostasis and provides defense against oxidative stress. Insufficient intake of Mn in human beings causes various negative health impacts, including reduced fertility rate, impaired bone density, growth impairment, and altered protein and carbohydrate metabolism processes. If manganese is taken in excess amounts, it can become a potent neurotoxin to humans. Soils, rocks, and water all contain manganese. Manganese can be leached from rocks and soils into a variety of water bodies, especially in groundwater, where it is more likely to mobilize under chemically reducing conditions. The leaching of manganese from different sources in the different water bodies, including groundwater sources, can play a critical role for human health and other living beings when it becomes toxic. Their deficiencies also affect human health.
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