Geographical distribution of trace elements (selenium, zinc, iron, copper) and case fatality rate of COVID-19: A national analysis across conterminous USA

Chen, Ying; Ma, Zheng Feei; Yu, Dahai; Jiang, Zifei; Wang, Bo; Yuan, Linxi

Abstract

Severe outcome particularly death is the largest burden of COVID-19. Clinical observations showed preliminary data that deficiency in certain trace elements, essential for the normal activity of immune system, may be associated with worse COVID-19 outcome. Relevant study of environmental epidemiology has yet to be explored. We investigated the geographical association between concentrations of Se, Zn, Fe and Cu in surface soils and case fatality rate of COVID-19 in USA. Two sets of database, including epidemiological data of COVID-19 (including case fatality rate, from the University of John Hopkinson) and geochemical concentration data of Se, Zn, Fe and Cu in surface soils (from the National Geochemical Survey), were mapped according to geographical location at the county level across conterminous USA. Characteristics of population, socio-demographics and residential environment by county were also collected. Seven cross-sectional sampling dates, with a 4-week interval between adjacent dates, constructed an observational investigation over 24 weeks from October 8, 2020, to March 25, 2021. Multivariable fractional (logit) outcome regression analyses were used to assess the association with adjustment for potential confounding factors. In USA counties with the lowest concentration of Zn, the case fatality rate of COVID-19 was the highest, after adjustment for other influencing factors. Associations of Se, Fe and Cu with case fatality rate of COVID-19 were either inconsistent over time or disappeared after adjustment for Zn. Our large study provides epidemiological evidence suggesting an association of Zn with COVID-19 severity, suggesting Zn deficiency should be avoided.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jan 9, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Jan 30, 2022
• Publication Date: Dec 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Dec 8, 2022
• Journal: Environmental Geochemistry and Health
• Print ISSN: 0269-4042
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-2983
• Publisher: Springer (part of Springer Nature)
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 44
• Issue: 12
• Pages: 4423-4436
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01204-0
• Keywords: Geochemistry and Petrology; General Environmental Science; Water Science and Technology; Environmental Chemistry; General Medicine; Environmental Engineering; Trace element; Geographical distribution; COVID-19; Case fatality rate; Ecological study; Enviro
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10226880
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10653-022-01204-0
• Additional Information: Received: 29 July 2021; Accepted: 9 January 2022; First Online: 30 January 2022; : ; : The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper.; Free to read: This content has been made available to all.