Applying geographic information system to study of heavy metal pollution
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Abstract
Geographic information system (GIS) has emerged as an innovative and important tool in public health research. This computer system is designed to capture, store, transmit, search, analyze, and present spatial data (or information). Owing to its practicability and flexibility, GIS's dynamic database is capable of managing data from various sources and analyzing the temporal or spatial correlations of environmental related diseases. GIS has been increasingly used to monitor, analyze, and simulate heavy metal migration and its impact on public health. This article reviewed several studies where GIS was used to monitor and analyze heavy metal pollution and its impact on public health. Basic features of GIS, its application in exploring sources of heavy metal pollution, health risk evaluation of heavy metal pollution, and carcinogenic effect and non-carcinogenic effect of heavy metals were summarized, aiming to provide evidence for further application of GIS to the study of heavy metal pollution.
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