Presentation 4 (2).pdf
- 1. IMPACT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT Biggest Environmental Issue BY AJAY KUMAR ROY
- 2. INTRODUCTION Heavy metals are chemical elements that are toxic in nature even in smaller concentrations and some are often categorized as carcinogenic. HEAVY METALS : Heavy metals are usually described as elements with higher atomic mass, densities, or atomic numbers. EXAMPLE OF HEAVY METALS: The common examples of heavy metals are lead(Pb) , thalium(Tl), chromium(Cr), arsenic(As), cadmium(Cd), mercury(Hg), etc.
- 3. HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: Pollution or contamination of the environment due the release of heavy metals into the ecosystem is called heavy metal pollution. Heavy metals are environmental contaminants.They are naturally toxic ,persistent and bioaccumulative when present in the environment. SOURCE OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION: Source of heavy metal pollution include both natural and anthropogenic factors 1. Natural source:- This includes natural event such as volcanic eruption and weathring of rock/soil. 2. Anthropogenic Sources:- This includes human activities such as pharmacy, industrial, agricultural, and mining activities. Domestic effluents are also a significant source of heavy metal pollution.
- 4. EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Heavy metals can stay in the environment for a longer time due to which they can prove to be extremely dangerous for the environment. Heavy metals in the concentration of parts per billion can cause toxicity. Heavy metals pollution can have negative impacts on the environment that are listed below. 1.Water contamination:- Heavy metal pollution causes water contamination/water pollution. This lead to degradation of water quality/loss of water quality and water is not suitable for drinking purpose.
- 5. 2.Groundwater pollution:-: Due to heavy rainfall the heavy metals present in the solid waste can join the leachate and may reach groundwater. The contamination of groundwater with heavy metals poses negative threats to the ecosystem. 3.Soil Contamination:-Heavy metals contaminate soil leading to soil pollution. Urban runoff or agriculture runoff containing heavy metals can contaminate the surface water. 4.Air pollution:-Heavy metals are contaminating the air due to fossil fuel combustion, industrial activities, etc. Air contaminated with heavy metals has negative impacts on the lungs.
- 6. 5.Marine Ecosystem:- Heavy metal pollution adversely impacts the marine ecosystem. Bioaccumulation and biomagnifications is one of the environmental issues associated with heavy metal pollution. You may like to read Bioaccumulation and Biomagnification of Toxic Chemicals. 6.Vegetation:-Heavy metals also negatively impact plant growth cause plant diseases and death of plants due to bioaccumulation.
- 7. EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION ON THE MARINE ANIMALS: Heavy metal pollution can have detrimental health effects on marine animals. Some fish species are sensitive to heavy metals and cannot survive in water contaminated with heavy metals. Heavy metals show effects on the developmental stage of fish species. Check out Bioaccumulation of Heavy Metals in Fish from Karachi Coast. EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION ON THE ANIMALS: Heavy metal pollution shows negative impacts on the animals. The extent of damage is associated with exposure to heavy metals. When heavy metals enter the animal body, they can cause damage to the internal organs of an animal body.
- 8. EFFECT OF HEAVY METAL POLLUTION ON THE HUMANS: Heavy metals pollution has dangerous effects on humans. The effects could be chronic or acute. However, long- term exposure to heavy metals leads to cancer. Heavy metal pollution can cause severe damage to the lungs, kidney, brain, and liver. Humans can suffer mental disorders due to heavy metal pollution.
- 9. CONCLUSION:- Heavy metals are persistent in nature and once they get in accumulated in the environment, the damage caused by heavy metal pollution is irreversible. Human activities are degrading the environment. Due to its bioaccumulative nature, heavy metals enter the food chain and show deleterious effects on the ecosystem. The groundwater is the most vulnerable to heavy metal pollution and contaminated waterways affect the living organisms.
- 10. Thank You Think deeply on how to have a wise relationship with NATURE.