###### Abstract  
This study aims to characterize and estimate risk assessment associated with geophagic materials consumption in Maputo city (Mozambique). Samples were collected in extraction mines, unprepared and prepared ones, and in Maputo markets. Fractions < 2 mm (total consumed material) and <63 \(\upmu\)m were analyzed to determine pH, EC, OM, chemical composition (XRF), and mineral phases present (XRD). The results revealed pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline, and electrical conductivity ranging from 13 to 47 \(\upmu\)S/cm in mine unprepared and prepared samples, while 264-465 \(\upmu\)S/cm in sampled solid in markets. Organic matter content was <2.76%, except in one sample (8.14%), suggesting a potential risk of containing bacteria. Textural analysis revealed that sand-size particles were more representative in all samples (57.2-93.02%). Mineralogical phases identified in the consumed sample were ranked quartz (>60%) > Fe oxides/hidrooxides > phyllosilicates (micas and kaolinite) > feldspars, suggesting a risk of dental enamel damage and perforation of the sigmoid colon. The chemical concentration of some elements was higher than recommended daily dose, suggesting a potential risk. However, geographic materials' chemical composition does not pose a carcinogenic risk. geophagy; geochemistry; mineralogy; risk assessment; Maputo city +
Footnote †: journal:  
in South Africa, it is common for women to associate soil ingestion with aesthetic benefits [19]. Several studies reported that geographic practices are prevalent in pregnant women (e.g., Refs. [8; 9]), especially in African countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa. Studies suggested that the portion of geophagic materials consumed daily by pregnant women is variable according to regional and cultural heritage, e.g., in western Kenya, the daily amount is -40 g [20]. In Ghana, daily consumption of ~70 g was estimated [21]. In South Africa, pregnant women consume ~90 g per day, and non-pregnant women consume 40-60 g [22]. The practice of geophagy can induce adverse health effects, varying not only with the amount of material consumed but also their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological properties [18; 23]. Geophagic materials can be a source of potentially toxic elements (PTEs), such as As, Pb, and Hg; bacteria; fungus; and parasites that can induce infections and other health outcomes [24]. Many studies suggested that geophagic material PTEs contamination sources can be diverse [20], e.g., in African markets, usually openair, anthropogenic activities such as industry [25] and traffic-related emissions [26; 27], have been associated with PTEs enrichment of geophagic materials [23]. This occurs especially in dry and relatively high temperatures environments, with PTEs suspension and deposition [28; 29]. High concentrations of PTEs can induce neurotoxic effects, which are critical in prenatal, neurodegenerative diseases, and cancer [2; 9]. Red clays are considered to have properties that might prevent iron deficiency anemia due to their high iron content. Previous studies suggested ingestion of red soils to alleviate symptoms of Fe deficiency, anemia, and nausea in pregnant women [30; 31]. A study conducted in Guatem suggested that geophagic materials have been used to provide 17-55% of pregnancy supplements, such as Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Se, K, Ni, and Co [32]. Studies conducted by [2; 24] described that the presence of minerals with coarse and angular morphology could cause damage to tooth enamel and the gastrointestinal tract, including perforation of the sigmoid colon. Different natural, earthy materials were used for the practice of geophagy, varying in their physical, mineralogical, and chemical characteristics [33]. Among the different earthy materials consumed, clay materials are the most consumed owing the fine particle size and the presence of mineral aggregates [34; 35]. Geophagic practices in Mozambique are common among pregnant women and young people.