Heavy Metals in Soils Pb (Lead), Hg (Mercury), Cd (Cadmium), As (Arsenic) Effects on Human Health

Authors : Nuray DAĞ, Ömer Kağan ARICI

Pages : 48-59

View : 36 | Download : 11

Publication Date : 2021-12-22

Article Type : Review Paper

Abstract :Soils are formed by the fragmentation of rocks as a result of abrasion and/or erosion. An `ideal` soil suitable for growing plants consists of %45 minerals, %25 air, %25 water, and %5 organic substances. The deterioration of the physical, chemical, and biological balance of the soil with various pollutants is called soil pollution. Heavy metals are the main pollutants that cause soil pollution and are elements that can have toxic effects even at low concentrations. They are often referred to as metals or semi-metals associated with contamination and potential toxicity or ecotoxicity. Heavy metals are taken into the organism through the mouth, respiration, and skin contact, and most of them cannot be excreted through the body`s excretory pathways without special support. Therefore, most of the heavy metals accumulate in biological organisms. High doses of these metals, which concentrate on living things as a result of accumulation, can cause various diseases, especially cancer and death, depending on factors such as genetics, immunity, age, nutrition, and general health status. In this article, the effects of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As heavy metals on human health are mentioned.
Keywords : Soil, Heavy Metals, Heavy Metals in Soil, Effects of Heavy Metals in Soil on Human Health