10. Contamination and Health Impact of Heavy Metals

Nowadays, heavy metals have become threat because of their toxicity and risk associated with exposure to them. In recent years, due to various technological advancements, both type and amount of heavy metals in water have increased gradually. They may enter the body through a variety of media present in our environment, i.e., food chain, air, etc. Furthermore, heavy metals act as barrier in metabolic processes. Exposure to such metals either accidental or occupational causes different kinds of disorders, including cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and neurological disorder which are arising due to consumption of water contaminated by these pollutants. Heavy metals such as cadmium, nickel, and chromium are known to be carcinogenic, as exposure of these heavy metals causes serious hazard to the human health. Some of the heavy metals get accumulated in the environment and are found to be difficult for recycling/degradation, hence leading to enormous increase in health hazard. This chapter provides information about some of the heavy metals and their potential toxicity to the human beings, plants, and environment along with their removal methods as well.