Heavy metal contamination and accumulation in groundwater and food crops in Sri Lanka: a review

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in food crops and ground water lead toxic effects on living organisms through the interference of the metabolic pathways. In this paper, the prevailing scientific data, with regard to the accumulation of heavy metals in groundwater and food crops in Sri Lanka, were reviewed. Evidence revealed that the groundwater bodies in Sri Lanka are in safer level to be used for day-to-day activities with a few exceptions and however, the heavy metal accumulation in some food crops are beyond the permissible level. Chronic Kidney Disease of unknown aetiology is one of the emerging issues at present in dry zones, particularly in the North Central Province in Sri Lanka and its suspected due to the extensive use of agrochemicals which is believed to be contaminated with the heavy metals.