A review on heavy metal accumulation and toxicity in biotic and abiotic components. Issue 1 (November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kaur, Manmeet; Sharma, Akriti; Aditya,
• Is Part Of: IOP conference series. Volume 889:Issue 1(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-11
• Subjects: Heavy Metals -- Human Health -- Soil -- Water -- Agriculture -- Crops; Earth sciences -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Congresses; Environmental sciences -- Periodicals; 550.5
• DOI: 10.1088/1755-1315/889/1/012062
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1755-1307

Abstract

Abstract: Pollutants in the environment remains to be a global issue and among the greatest challenges confronting mankind. Among the various kinds of pollutants, heavy metals have drawn a lot of attention owing to their toxicity. Heavy metals are recognized to be naturally existing, however they are introduced in considerable quantities in many environmental compartments due to anthropogenic activities. When added into the atmosphere eventually these find their way back to the ground, contaminating soils and water. These metals enter into the plant system through a variety of physiological mechanisms, affecting plant growth and development. The possible entry of these elements into the ecosystem has been attributed to the increased levels of heavy metals in the ecosystem through direct intake from polluted soils, vegetables grown on polluted soils, or drinking wastewater that has infiltrated through such soils. Heavy metal accumulation arises when vegetable crops are grown in an environment contaminated with heavy metal, further entering and magnifying in the food chain. Human health is jeopardised by the presence and consumption of potentially harmful heavy metals in biota and groundwater. Heavy metal exposure can cause a number of serious human health implications, including kidney disease, respiratory problems, neurological disorders, and cancer. These heavy metals have an impact not merely on plants and humans, but also on soil health, water sources, soil nutrient status, and other aquatic organisms. These are irreversibly introduced in the environment since they cannot be degraded and are typically present in trace amounts, yet even at low levels, many of them can be harmful. The increased levels of heavy metals in the environment are hence currently prompting increased concern and need improvised remedial measures.