Assessment of Heavy Metal Toxicity and Its Impact on Human Health and the Environment

Abstract

Heavy metal toxicity poses a significant threat to both environmental and human health due to the persistence, bioaccumulation, and non-biodegradable nature of metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic. These metals enter ecosystems through industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and improper waste disposal, leading to contamination of soil, water, and air. Once accumulated in biological systems, they interfere with essential biochemical processes, causing oxidative stress, cellular damage, and various chronic disorders in humans, including neurological, renal, and cardiovascular effects. This study assesses the concentration levels, sources, and toxicological impacts of heavy metals in different environmental compartments. It highlights the pathways of human and ecological exposure, discusses monitoring techniques, and reviews strategies for remediation and sustainable management. Understanding the extent of contamination and its biological effects is vital for developing effective mitigation measures to safeguard public and ecological health.