10 - Heavy metal contamination in water and its possible sources

Abstract

Heavy metals are considered as eminent toxicants of the environment as these are very toxic, tenacious, and incremental in nature. Eruptions of volcanoes, break down of rocks containing metals, and human activities such as mineral extraction, mining, and agricultural practices, and various industries are sources of heavy metal entrance into the environment. Among these, volcanic eruptions and rock weathering are natural sources, whereas mineral extraction, mining, industries, agricultural practices, and various other developmental activities are considered among anthropogenic activities and such activities trigger the transportation of the heavy metals into the environment, which further disturbs biogeochemical cycles. Pollution of aquatic ecosystems with some heavy metals can lead to environmental problems and hence to adverse health impacts. Heavy metals, as persistent toxicants, deposit in the ecosystem and subsequently infect food chains. In the inhabitant biota and environmental fragments, the presence and quantity of heavy metals and metalloids must be measured and examined. An inclusive revision of the environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of perilous heavy metals and metalloids indicates that efforts must be applied to overcome the impact of heavy metals on human health and the environment.