Soil and Water Contamination by Heavy Metals
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Abstract
Soil and water contamination by heavy metals has a major adverse environmental impact. Concern has long existed over the threat of contamination of soil and water resources by heavy metals but has heightened in recent years as more knowledge has been gained about the negative and potentially serious affects that chronic exposure to heavy metals may have on the health of humans and other living organisms. Long-term exposure to lead affects human cognition; cadmium affects kidney, liver, and gastrointestinal tract functioning; and arsenic affects the skin, kidneys, and central nervous system. This article will address terminology, sources, mobility, risk assessment, and management and remediation alternatives for heavy metals in the environment that may contaminate soil and water resources. Keywords: heavy metals; soil; groundwater; environment; contamination; redox potential; sources; mobility; risk assessment