Effects of Heavy Metals on the Living Organism Near Agra Region

Abstract

The rapid industrialization and intensive agricultural activities over the last few decades have resulted in accumulation of various pollutants in the environment, which are distributed over wide areas by means of air and water. This has caused visible detrimental effects to the ecosystem and consequences to human health. The present study evaluates the concentration of heavy metals in different vegetables species around industrial area. Potential health risks of heavy metals to the local population via vegetables consumption were estimated. The health risks of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), silver (Ag), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and the platinum group elements have adverse effects on human metabolism and health. The quality of the river is severely affected by the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial effluents. The water quality is not fit for bathing, underwater life and domestic supply. A wide range of contaminants are continuously introduced into the river and their toxicity is a problem of increasing significance for ecological, evolutionary, and environmental reasons. Among these contaminants, heavy metals due to their toxicity, accumulation and non-degradable nature, constitute one of the most dangerous groups. Bioaccumulation of the heavy metals may cause damage to the central nervous system, lungs, kidneys, liver, endocrine glands, and bones. The prevailing condition of the river is of serious concern, and there is an urgent need to take strict measures to ensure cleansing of the river and prevent further contamination.