Toxic Effects Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Impact of Heavy Metal Contamination on Soil and Crop Ecosystem with Advanced Techniques to Mitigate Them

Heavy metal pollution in soils has become widespread globally due to both natural processes and human activities. Geologic and anthropogenic activities, such as mining, industrial processes, and agricultural practices, significantly contribute to heavy metal accumulation in soil, posing threats to both plant and animal health. These metals endure in the environment and build up in organisms because they resist breakdown or metabolism. They enter the food chain via primary producers and move up as higher trophic levels consume them. This contamination adversely affects the overall human health, plant growth, performance, and yield and also impacts the soil properties. To minimize this effect of heavy metal toxicity, bioremediation emerges as a highly effective method for treating such polluted soils, often conducted in situ, making it suitable for crop establishment or reestablishment. Bioremediation encompasses various techniques like bioventing, biostimulation, air sparging, natural attenuation, phytoremediation, vermistabilization, rhizofiltration, biosorption etc. Both microorganisms and plants play crucial roles in bioremediation, with the combined approach ensuring more efficient cleanup. However, the success of this method depends significantly on the specific species involved. Traditional physical and chemical remediation methods are often costly and fail to restore soil suitability for plant growth. In contrast, bioremediation offers a more environmentally friendly and economically viable solution, leveraging natural processes to encourage plant growth on contaminated soils.

Human health risk assessment and toxic effect of heavy metal(loid)s in Bamboo shoot products

Bamboo shoots and their products are an important part of the human diet. However, the accumulation and accurate human health risk of heavy metal(loid)s in bamboo shoots are largely unknown. In this study, we determined the total and bioaccessible concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Cr in natural and processed bamboo shoot products from markets in southwest China. The health risk assessment and enterotoxicity after consumption of heavy metal(loid)s contaminated samples were further studied using a human colonic epithelial cell (Caco-2 cell) model. The results showed that the average concentrations of As, Pb, Cd, and Cr in the collected samples were 0.036, 0.056, 0.008, and 0.049 mg/kg, while Pb contents in 21 collected fresh bamboo shoot samples exceeded the allowable limit value of 0.1 mg/kg by 1.00–4.60 folds. Besides, As in 2% fresh bamboo shoots exceeded the limit value of 0.50 mg/kg. The average bioaccessibility of heavy metal(loid)s in fresh bamboo shoots was as follows: Cr (47.20%) > Pb (39.56%) > Cd (15.64%)> As (13.29%). Estimated daily intake (EDI) of heavy metal(loid)s after intake of fresh bamboo shoots was higher in children than that in adults, the THQ of As is > 1 based on the total heavy metal(loid)s, indicating a potential non-carcinogenic risk for children. However, health risks assessment based on bioaccessibility were significantly decreased. Furthermore, intestinal digesta of high-risk samples did not trigger detrimental effects on Caco-2 cells, suggesting existing health risk assessment model may overestimate their health risks and should be adjusted by bioaccessibility and cellular toxicity validation to accurately reflect their health risk. Our data may provide a novel and scientific insight into the health risk assessment of bamboo shoots as well as their products and propose a more scientific approach to accurate health risk assessment for heavy metals polluted foods.

Phytohormones-mediated strategies for mitigation of heavy metals toxicity in plants focused on sustainable production.

In this manuscript, authors reviewed and explore the information on beneficial role of phytohormones to mitigate adverse effects of heavy metals toxicity in plants. Global farming systems are seriously threatened by heavy metals (HMs) toxicity, which can result in decreased crop yields, impaired food safety, and negative environmental effects. A rise in curiosity has been shown recently in creating sustainable methods to reduce HMs toxicity in plants and improve agricultural productivity. To accomplish this, phytohormones, which play a crucial role in controlling plant development and adaptations to stress, have emerged as intriguing possibilities. With a particular focus on environmentally friendly farming methods, the current review provides an overview of phytohormone-mediated strategies for reducing HMs toxicity in plants. Several physiological and biochemical activities, including metal uptake, translocation, detoxification, and stress tolerance, are mediated by phytohormones, such as melatonin, auxin, gibberellin, cytokinin, ethylene, abscisic acid, salicylic acid, and jasmonates. The current review offers thorough explanations of the ways in which phytohormones respond to HMs to help plants detoxify and strengthen their resilience to metal stress. It is crucial to explore the potential uses of phytohormones as long-term solutions for reducing the harmful effects of HMs in plants. These include accelerating phytoextraction, decreasing metal redistribution to edible plant portions, increasing plant tolerance to HMs by hormonal manipulation, and boosting metal sequestration in roots. These methods seek to increase plant resistance to HMs stress while supporting environmentally friendly agricultural output. In conclusion, phytohormones present potential ways to reduce the toxicity of HMs in plants, thus promoting sustainable agriculture.

Toxic effects of heavy metals on crustaceans and associated health risks in humans: a review

Toxic effects of heavy metals on crustaceans and associated health risks in humans: a review

Isoliquiritin counteracts cadmium-induced intestinal damage in mice through enhancing intestinal barrier function and inhibiting apoptosis

Cadmium (Cd), a crucial toxic environmental pollutant, can induce damage to many organs, especially the gastrointestinal tract. Isoliquiritin (ISO), a critical flavonoid glycoside compound isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis, has anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antioxidant and other pharmaceutical value. However, the potential roles of ISO in Cd-induced intestinal damage have not been reported yet. This study aimed to research the beneficial effects of ISO on Cd-induced intestinal damage and identify its underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that ISO reduced inflammation by suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activity of serum Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice with Cd exposure. In terms of mechanism, ISO administration protected the intestinal barrier function through increasing the expression of tight junction proteins and Muc2. Furthermore, ISO could significantly suppress Cd-induced intestinal apoptosis and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Interestingly, inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 by nigericin completely blocking the effect of ISO on apoptosis. Most importantly, ISO markedly abrogated Cd-induced cell damage and NLRP3 inflammasome activation in vitro. Taken together, these findings suggest that ISO reduces Cd-induced intestinal damage by increasing the goblet cells, improving intestinal barrier, suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation and inhibiting apoptosis, which may offer a novel strategy against the toxic effects of heavy metals.

Effects of heavy metal pollution on population dynamics of another important pollinator insect group: Horseflies (Diptera: Tabanidae)

Horseflies represent important agents of pollination as well as other pollinator insects, like butterflies, bees and wasps. Horseflies belong to the genera Atylotus, Dasyramphis, Glaucops, Pangonius, Philoliche, Chrysops, Hybomitra, and Tabanus species are exclusive nectar feeders. Glucose, fructose and sucrose are major components of plant nectars which are used nourishing for developing eggs. Because of these features horseflies have a significant role in pollination of phanerogams. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of toxic heavy metals on the population dynamics of horsefly species. Monthly changes on the accumulation of heavy metals in the larval habitats of horsefly species were determined with Perkin Elmer Optical Spectrophotometer and also correlations between concentrations of heavy metals and population fluctuations of horse fly species were observed. The results demonstrated that lead, iron and cadmium have statistically important negative effects on the population dynamics of horsefly species.

Spatial Distribution, Source Analysis, and Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Farmland of Tangwang Village, Huainan City, China

The impacts of heavy metal pollution in arable soil on agricultural production, environmental health, and the wellbeing of urban and rural residents cannot be overlooked. It has become a significant bottleneck in achieving comprehensive rural revitalization. To accurately grasp the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in suburban cultivated soil, Tangwang Village (a suburb of Huainan City) was subjected to scrutiny. The contents of heavy metals (Hg, Cu, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cd, and Zn) in the topsoil of cultivated land in this area were detected, and their spatial distribution characteristics were analyzed using inverse distance spatial interpolation. (1) After conducting a comprehensive analysis and thorough examination of the PMF model sources, it was determined that Cu, Cd, and Zn exhibit a direct correlation with agricultural practices, collectively contributing to a cumulative percentage of 21.10%. Meanwhile, Cr is derived from a combination of sources, including both natural parent materials and human activities, accounting for a total proportion of 24.45%. Notably, lead emissions from automobile exhausts constitute a significant source, while arsenic is primarily associated with dispersed factories and their respective operations, contributing to respective proportions of 36.38% and 18.07%. It is evident that agricultural practices, transportation, and industrial activities are the main reasons for heavy metal pollution in arable soil. (2) The evaluation of geological accumulation indicators reveals that the level of soil arsenic accumulation pollution is mild to moderate (1.199). On the other hand, the cumulative pollution level of Cd, Hg, Cr, and Cu was relatively low (0.462→0.186), whereas the levels of Pb and Zn were below the threshold. (3) The assessment of the ecological risk index revealed that the predominant elements posing potential ecological risks in the investigated region were Hg, As, and Cd, with average Ei values of E(Hg) = 86.81, E(As) = 80.67, and E(Cd) = 67.83, respectively. (4) The human health risk assessment revealed significant differences in the single non-carcinogenic risk values of heavy metals generated by different exposure pathways, with oral ingestion > dermal contact > oral nasal inhalation. Children were more susceptible to the toxic effects of heavy metals compared to adults. Both As and Cr caused an increased risk of cancer in both children and adults, which is a matter of great concern. The results of this study contribute to a more accurate description of the sources of heavy metals in farmland soil. This study indicates that the application of PMF for soil source analysis yields clear results that can be further applied. This research also has potential policy significance as it can help to improve the sustainability of ecosystems by coordinating both environmental and human activities.

Metagenomic and biochemical analyses reveal the potential of silicon to alleviate arsenic toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Arsenic (As) pollution in agricultural systems poses a serious threat to crop productivity and food safety. Silicon (Si) has been reported to mitigate toxic effects of heavy metals in plants. However, the mechanisms behind Si-mediated alleviation of As toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) remain poorly understood. Here, we performed metagenomic and biochemical analyses to investigate the potential of Si in alleviating As toxicity to rice plants. As exposure reduced plant growth, chlorophyll contents, antioxidant enzyme levels and soil enzymes activity, while increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) activity and inducing alterations in the rhizosphere microbiome of rice seedlings. Silicon amendments enhanced rice growth (24%), chlorophyll a (25%), and chlorophyll b (26.7%), indicating enhanced photosynthetic capacity. Si amendments also led to the upregulation of antioxidant enzymes viz., superoxide dismutase (15.4%), and peroxidase (15.6%), resulting in reduced ROS activity and oxidative stress compared to the As-treated control. Furthermore, Si treatment reduced uptake and translocation of As in rice plants, as evidenced by the analysis of elemental contents. Microscopic examination of leaf and root ultrastructure showed that Si mitigated As-induced cellular damage and maintained normal morphology. Metagenomic analysis of the rice rhizosphere microbiome revealed that Si application modulated composition and diversity of microbial communities e.g., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. Additionally, Si amendments upregulated the relative expression levels of OsGSH, OsPCs, OsNIP1;1 and OsNIP3;3 genes, while the expression levels of the OsLis1 and OsLis2 genes were significantly downregulated compared with As-treated rice plants. Overall, these findings contribute to our understanding of Si-mediated plant resilience to As stress and offer potential strategies for sustainable agriculture in As-contaminated regions.

Heavy Metal Levels in Males With Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism.

The toxic effects of heavy metals on biological systems are being investigated with increasing interest day by day. Our purpose was to investigate heavy metals such as aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), and nickel (Ni) in males with idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and to determine whether there is a relationship between heavy metals and testosterone levels. Twenty-six male patients with IHH aged 18-50 and 22 healthy males aged 21-50 admitted to the Outpatient Department of Endocrinology for follow-up were enrolled.BMIs were calculated by measuring the height and weight of all participants. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were measured and compared between groups. Testosterone levels were measured to investigate whether there was a correlation with heavy metal levels. Al, Cd, As, Pb, and Ni levels were statistically higher in the patient group compared to the control group (p<0.001). A moderately strong significant negative correlation was detected between the patients' testosterone and As levels (p=0.001, r=-0.609, R2=0.371). Decreased As and Cd levels were observed as the patients' ages increased (p=0.013, r=-0.471). Heavy metals might play potential roles in IHH. We hope that investigating heavy metal levels in IHH and adding toxicity-preventive treatments to hormonal therapies will be beneficial in the multifaceted management of the disease in clinical practice.

Melatonin as an Ameliorative Agent Against Cadmium- and Lead-Induced Toxicity in Fish: an Overview.

Diverse anthropogenic activities and lack of knowledge on its consequences have promoted serious heavy metal contaminations in different aquatic systems throughout the globe. The non-biodegradable nature of most of these toxic heavy metals has increased the concern on their possible bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms as well as in other vertebrates. Among these aquatic species, fish are most sensitive to such contaminated water that not only decreases their chance of survivability in the nature but also increases the probability of biomagnifications of these heavy metals in higher order food chain. After entering the fish body, heavy metals induce detrimental changes in different vital organs by impairing multiple physiological and biochemical pathways that are essential for the species. Such alterations may include tissue damage, induction of oxidative stress, immune-suppression, endocrine disorders, uncontrolled cell proliferation, DNA damage, and even apoptosis. Although uncountable reports have explored the toxic effects of different heavy metals in diverse fish species, but surprisingly, only a few attempts have been made to ameliorate such toxic effects. Since, oxidative stress seems to be the underlying common factor in such heavy metal-induced toxicity, therefore, a potent and endogenous antioxidant with no side effect may be an appropriate therapeutic solution. Apart from summarizing the toxic effects of two important toxicants, i.e., cadmium and lead in fish, the novelty of the present treatise lies in its arguments in favor of using melatonin, an endogenous free radical scavenger and indirect antioxidant, in ameliorating the toxic effects of heavy metals in any fish species.

Determination of the Toxic Effects of Heavy Metals on the Morpho-Anatomical Responses of the Leaf of Typha latifolia as a Biomonitoring Tool.

Typha latifolia leaves act as sensitive barometers for trace heavy metal pollution, as revealed by their pronounced anatomical responses in a constructed wetland. Monthly water samples and Typha latifolia leaf tissue were collected over three consecutive months in 2018 from the Burgas Lake wetlands (Taoura), northeast Algeria. While physical and chemical parameters improved after treatment, atomic absorption spectrometry (Perkin Elmer A Analyst 800 AAS) detected persistent trace levels of cadmium, chromium, and lead in both the treated water and leaf tissue, highlighting the need for continued phytoremediation efforts. Microscopic examination of leaf tissue exposed to these metals revealed distinct anatomical adaptations, including shrunken vascular bundles, altered cell shapes, and stomatal closure. These findings underscore Typha latifolia's effectiveness in accumulating heavy metals and its potential as a highly sensitive biomonitor for persistent pollution in lake ecosystems.

A Review on Effects of Heavy Metal Toxicity on Plant Growth

A Review on Effects of Heavy Metal Toxicity on Plant Growth

ВЛИЯНИЕ МЕТИЛСУЛЬФОНИЛМЕТАНА НА ФИЗИОЛОГИЧЕСКИЕ ПОКАЗАТЕЛИ БЕЛЫХ КРЫС ПРИ ЭКСПЕРИМЕНТАЛЬНОЙ ИНТОКСИКАЦИИ КАДМИЕМ И СВИНЦОМ

Cadmium and lead, being one of the most dangerous ecotoxicants, are entering feed in an increasing number of regions and then into livestock products, posing a danger to the body of animals and humans. Therefore, the problem of reducing the toxic effect and accumulation of cadmium and lead in the body does not lose its relevance. One of the ways to reduce the accumulation and negative effects of heavy metals (HM) is the use of biologically active substances. Since one of the mechanisms of the toxic effect of heavy metals is the binding of sulfhydry groups, sulfur and preparations containing it are often used to reduce intoxication. Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a sulfur-containing compound that is a natural component of many foods (fruits, vegetables, grains). It has hepatoprotective, antioxidant and antitoxic properties, and is a source of organic sulfur. The introduction of cadmium and lead at a dose of 2,5 and 5 μg/kg into the diet of white rats for two and a half months led to the normalization of the animals’ behavioral indicators, the state of the central nervous system according to the determination of the summation-threshold index (STI), restoration of the level of immunoglobulin, and the content of chlorides in the urine , and in the blood serum – general SH groups, but the hemoglobin content remained significantly low.

Moringa oleifera extract as an inhibitor of heavy metal phytotoxicity on lettuce germination

The study aimed to analyze the influence of heavy metals of Moringa oleifera extract on the germination process and development of lettuce seedlings, as well as to describe the reduction of toxic effects of heavy metals due to the interaction with the extract. From June to October 2018, four tests were carried out in a completely randomized design, two of which were toxicity tests, with concentrations in mg L-1 of the metals, Arsenic, Cadmium and Lead; one of extract phytotoxicity, using six concentrations in g L-1 of Moringa oleifera seed powder; and another on the interaction between heavy metal solutions and Moringa oleifera extract. In all tests, four repetitions of each treatment were performed. The inhibitory effect of heavy metals and Moringa oleifera extract on lettuce germination was verified. In the interaction between the heavy metal solutions with the Moringa oleifera extract, the concentration of 0.25 g L-1 inhibited the toxicity of the metals Arsenic and Cadmium in the germination process of lettuce seedlings.

Expression of the CDKN1A, MDM2, and ATM genes as a biomarker of the toxic effect of heavy metals (literature review)

The development of new approaches enabling differentiation of a wide range of toxic effects can significantly improve risk assessment. To understand the response mechanisms at the molecular level, it is important to study the expression of genes responsible for DNA repair, since this process is one of the early responses to toxic effects.&#x0D; The purpose of the study was to summarize available data on the expression of repair CDKN1A, MDM2, and ATM genes associated with toxic effects of exposure to heavy metals.&#x0D; A systematic search was carried out to identify studies on a given topic in the PubMed, Web of Science, eLIBRARY and Google Scholar electronic databases using the following keywords: heavy metals, CDKN1A, MDM2, ATM, toxicity, DNA repair, and gene expression. The initial search for scientific publications was carried out independently by three authors; then all sources found were checked and compared to filter out duplicate papers. This review covers 50 literature sources.&#x0D; The analysis of toxicogenome studies allowed us to identify several genes for assessing heavy metal toxicity among a large number of candidate biomarkers. The most commonly considered genes are the p21/CDKN1A gene, the MDM2 proto-oncogene, and the ATM gene.&#x0D; Limitations. The review is limited to considering changes in the expression of only a small number of genes responsible for DNA repair.&#x0D; Conclusion. The expression of the above biomarker genes provides a detailed picture of the response of a biological system to hazardous exposures and can be used as part of the assessment of toxic effects.

Potential Protective Effects of Spirulina (Spirulina platensis) against In Vitro Toxicity Induced by Heavy Metals (Cadmium, Mercury, and Lead) on SH-SY5Y Neuroblastoma Cells

Spirulina, a filamentous microalga, is used all over the world as a nutraceutical dietary supplement. Recent studies have focused on examining its chelating activity and antioxidant properties, especially as a candidate for protection against neurotoxicity caused by heavy metals. The MTT test and LDH assay were used to examine the viability of the SH-SY5Y cells for 24, 48, and 72 h, to Cd, Hg, and Pb, individually or in combination with Spirulina, and the effects of necrotic cell death. In comparison to the control group, the viability of SH-SY5Y cells decreased after 24 h of exposure, with Cd being more toxic than Hg and Pb being less lethal. The effects of heavy metal toxicity on cell survival were ranked in order after 72 h under identical experimental circumstances as follows: Hg, Pb, and Cd. The viability of the cells was then tested after being exposed to Spirulina at doses of 5 at 50 (%v/v) for 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. SH-SY5Y cells that had been treated with mixtures of heavy metals and Spirulina underwent the same assay. Cell viability is considerably increased by using Spirulina treatments at the prescribed periods and doses. Instead, the same procedure, when applied to SH-SY5Y cells, caused the release of LDH, which is consistent with the reduction in cell viability. We demonstrated for the first time, considering all the available data, that Spirulina 5, 25, and 50 (%v/v) enhanced the number of viable SH-SY5Y cells utilized as a model system for brain cells. Overall, the data from the present study provide a first insight into the promising positive role of Spirulina against the potentially toxic effects of metals.

Assessment of heavy metal impact on two species of ciliate protozoa

In the present study toxic effect of heavy metals (Chromium, Cadmium and Lead) was observed in two species of ciliated Protozoa (Dreponomonas and Colpoda species). Both Protozoa were collected from agriculture field of Madhepura district. Heavy metal salt used in this study were CrCl 6H 0, CdCl and * 2 2 Pb(NO ) . Lethal concentration dose (LC ) for 50% survival of Protozoa population was estimated with 3 2 50 different concentration of heavy metal salt using Sedge-Wick-Rafter chamber. The effect of metal salt on Protozoa was monitored with binocular microscope at every 10 minutes. The order of toxicity in both species was observed as Cr&gt;Cd&gt;Pb.. KEYWORDS :Ciliated Protozoa, Toxicity, Heavy metals, Lethal dose (LC )

Hazardous effects of heavy metal toxicity on soil and plants and their bioremediation: a review

Heavy metal-polluted soils have grown ubiquitous worldwide due to increased geologic and anthropogenic activity, and the plants growing in these soils exhibit decreased growth, performance, and yield. Contaminated soil with heavy metals has become a concern for agricultural scientists because of the progress made in agricultural product safety. Heavy metals are metalloids with biological toxicity. The most common are arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). These metals exist throughout the terrestrial environment and have spread out due to anthropogenic and natural activities. Soil heavy metal pollution leads to human health risks, groundwater pollution, plant phytotoxicity, and a decline in crop and soil production. Bioremediation is an effective method of treating heavy metal-polluted soils. It is a widely accepted method that is mostly carried out in situ; hence it is suitable for the establishment/reestablishment of crops on treated soils. Using plants in the treatment of polluted soils is a more common approach in the bioremediation of heavy metal-polluted soils. Bioremediation ensures a more efficient clean-up of heavy metal-polluted soils. However, the success of this approach largely depends on the species of organisms. This paper is aimed to review the hazardous effects of heavy metal toxicity on soil and plants and their bioremediation. This paper also discusses numerous strategies for addressing heavy metal contamination in soil. Keywords: heavy metals, anthropogenic sources, natural sources, bioremediation

A Critical Review on Sulphur Application in Rapeseed-mustard to Enhancing Productivity and Oil Quality

Sulfur (S) plays a vital role in determining the seed yield, oil content, quality, and resistance to various stresses in rapeseed-mustard. It is essential for chlorophyll formation, oil synthesis, seed protein, amino acids, enzymes, and glucosinolate in these plants. Sulphur also boosts mustard seed production. However, due to modern agricultural practices, including multiple cropping, the use of sulfur-free fertilizers, and limited organic manure application, soil sulfur levels are depleting rapidly in India. Indian soils typically contain between 10 to 6319 mg kg-1 of sulfur, with most agricultural soils averaging 30 to 300 mg kg-1. Adding sulfur increases mustard oil content by enhancing the activity of an enzyme called acetyl-CoA carboxylase, which is essential for oil synthesis. Sulfur also mitigates the harmful effects of heavy metal toxicity, especially from cadmium. Sulfur interacts with other nutrients in both positive and negative ways. Recommendations for sulfur fertilization in different mustard growing regions have been made based on various research programs. To maximize sulfur use efficiency, it's crucial to apply the correct amount based on soil tests and in balance with other limiting nutrients. Timing of sulfur application is also important; it's best applied at the beginning but can also be top-dressed 20-40 days after planting for optimal yield. Research suggests that mustard responds well to foliar spraying of thiourea during flowering and basal placement before sowing. This paper reviews the strategies to improve sulfur utilization through advancements in application rates, methods, and sulfur sources on rapeseed-mustard.

Enhancing cabbage resilience against heavy metal stress through silicon amendments and melatonin: A depth investigation

This study investigated the phytotoxic toxic effects of heavy metals and evaluated the ameliorative effects of exogenously applied silicon (Si) in cabbage. Three experiments were conducted to assess the morphological, physiological, and biochemical changes associated with heavy metal toxicity and the potential mitigation by Si. The threshold level of cabbage plants was determined in the first experiment using nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) as selected heavy metals. Significant reductions in growth attributes, such as plant biomass, leaf area, and root weight, were observed at all heavy metal concentrations. Physiological parameters, including photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance were also significantly reduced due to heavy metal toxicity. In the second experiment, foliar application of Si at different concentrations mitigated the negative impacts of heavy metals on plant growth and physiological attributes. Maximum mitigation was observed at Si concentrations of 2 mM and 3 mM. The third experiment confirmed the efficacy of Si at 2 mM in reducing heavy metal toxicity and improving physiological attributes. Si application significantly decreased the uptake of Cd, Ni, and As in cabbage plants. Chlorophyll contents and antioxidant enzyme activities indicated the positive impact of Si on growth and development under heavy metal stress. Heavy metals exhibited toxic effects on cabbage plants, but exogenous application of Si, particularly at 2 mM, effectively mitigated these effects and enhanced plant growth. Si application at 3mM exhibited the maximum reduction in Cd toxicity, leading to a 79% increase in fresh biomass. When Ni and Cd-stressed plants were treated with silicon at 2mM, there was maximum reduction in toxicity, resulting in a 75% and 71% increase in the photosynthetic rate. Maximum mitigation of Cd toxicity was achieved by applying silicon at 2mM, resulting in a 94% increase in stomatal conductance. Furthermore, under a-biotic stress cabbage increased the concentration of melatonin that help the plant to cope from stress. These findings demonstrate the potential of Si application as a strategy to alleviate heavy metal toxicity and improve the growth of cabbage plants