Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Soil Content and Portable Water: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Extant studies have revealed that water and soil pollution are among the major global challenges that society must address in the 21st century aiming to improve water quality and reduce human and ecosystem health impacts. Industrialization, climate change, and expansion of urban areas produce a variety of water and soil contamination. In this study, the authors discussed some of the relevant findings in extant literature related to the release of heavy metals into water and soil content, that is affecting agricultural practices, and hence, serve as possible risks for human health. Thus, the aim of this study is to review previous research work done by other authors on heavy metals in water and soils, detection, poisoning, damages to human health and treatments of agricultural soils as noted in some studies. The study adopts an extensive review of literature such as conference papers, journal articles, internet sources, books to find out concentration of heavy metals in agricultural soils and water. After analysis and review of such secondary articles, the current studies found that heavy metal in portable water and soil is a source of major concern and should be regularly checked and monitored by appropriate regulatory agencies. In addition, some previous researchers found that anthropogenic activities are identified as the main source of the increasing amounts of heavy metals found in water and soil. Some of the health hazards derived from repeated exposure to traces of heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, nickel, and zinc, were also reported in this study. The authors also stated the methods in which this contamination occurs and ways to prevent future contamination as discussed by various authors. This study concluded that heavy metals are the main cause of water pollution and impact human health worldwide. Keywords: Heavy Metal: Water: Contamination: Pollution: Human Health: Anthropogenic Factors: Nigeria.