Heavy metal pollution – A mini review

Abstract

Soil contamination due to human oriented activities is an emerging issue in the present world. There are several pollutants from different industries which are released in the nearby soils. Among these pollutants, heavy metals constitute non-biodegradable, toxic and persistent pollutants which adversely affect ecological niche of all life forms, including humans. The detrimental effects of these heavy metals on living organisms are attributable to a number of cellular and biochemical processes in living organisms. In humans, these are known to cause various physiological disorders of respiratory, renal and gastrointestinal system. The biotoxicity of heavy metals depends on their concentration, chemical forms and bioavailability.

Adsorption Characteristics of WFD Heavy Metal Ions on New Biosourced Polyimide Films Determined by Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

“…Electrochemical measurements were performed in a 5 cm 3 Pyrex glass electrochemical cell equipped with the polymer-modified gold electrode (0.07 cm 2 active area, defined by an O-ring seal), as a working electrode, a platinum counter-electrode and a Ag/AgCl reference electrode.…”

“…They are emitted mainly from various industrial activities such as metal plating facilities, mining operations, fertilizer industries, tanneries, batteries, paper industries and pesticides, etc 2 . Unlike organic contaminants, heavy metals are not biodegradable and tend to accrue in living organisms 3 . The accumulation of heavy metals can cause eminent health problems, such as serious toxicological concerns, central nervous system damage, impairment of pulmonary and kidney function 4 .…”

Nickel contamination analysis at cost-effective silver printed paper-based electrodes based on carbon black dimethylglyoxime ink as electrode modifier

“…Remediation of metal pollution and its quantitative analysis remains a major area of focus for analytical chemists worldwide with considerable funding and time dedicated to novel and innovative means for improving current methods. Heavy metal pollution continues to garner significant attention due to its hazardous effects on the environment and organisms owing to its non-biodegradable and toxic nature [1]. Current spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques for monitoring this pollution are limited by their high costs, cumbersome equipment, and skilled operation [2].…”

Increased heavy metal concentrations in the soils near electric power generators in Samarra city (Iraq)

“…The pollution of soil has become a global environmental problem due to the increasing industrialization and activi ties of humans [17]. Diff erent from organic matter, heavy metals are extremely toxic because they are not biodegradable (i.e., they only can change their oxidation states) and are insistent in the environment, with a half-life of mor e t han 20 years [18,19]. Heavy metals in soil lead to unhealthy environmental conditions because these metals leach and a re non-degradable [20,21].…”