1: Define heavy metal and toxicity
2: source of heavy metal contamination?
3: impotence of heavy metals?
4: why heavy metals considered harmful ?
Provide the citations and references using APA style
1: Heavy metals are metallic elements with high atomic weights and densities. They include elements such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, among others. These metals have a high level of toxicity and can be harmful to human health and the environment.
2: Sources of heavy metal contamination include industrial activities (such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing), agricultural practices (such as the use of pesticides and fertilizers), and improper disposal of electronic waste and batteries.
3: The importance of heavy metals lies in their potential to cause harm to humans, animals, and the environment. They can accumulate in the body over time and cause serious health problems, including neurological disorders, organ damage, and cancer.
4: Heavy metals are considered harmful because they are non-biodegradable and can persist in the environment for a long time. They can also bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to higher concentrations in animals and humans at the top of the food chain. This can result in long-term health effects and environmental damage.
References:
- Skalnaya, M. G., Tinkov, A. A., Demidov, V. A., Serebryansky, E. P., Nikonorov, A. A., Skalny, A. V., & Lobanova, Y. N. (2018). Hair toxic and essential trace elements in children with autism spectrum disorder. Metabolic Brain Disease, 33(3), 831-839.
- Saha, N., & Zaman, M. R. (2010). Evaluation of possible health risks of heavy metals by consuming foodstuffs available in the central market of Rajshahi City, Bangladesh. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 166(1-4), 347-357.