book chapter
Environmental exposure to toxic metals including lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminium, and manganese impairs cellular homeostasis and contributes to cognitive decline, neurodevelopmental issues, and neurodegenerative conditions. Emerging scientific methods are transforming how these toxic effects are investigated. Advanced analytical tools, neuroimaging, multi-omics, computational methods, and novel experimental models improve the detection of metals in biological systems and clarify underlying molecular processes. In addition, incorporating artificial intelligence and investigations into the microbiota-gut-brain axis is supporting precision environmental neuroscience. Together, these complementary techniques aid in identifying biomarkers and uncovering therapeutic targets. By connecting these diverse methodologies, research can move towards earlier clinical diagnosis, targeted therapies, and individualised risk evaluations for neurological damage driven by toxic metal exposure.
Toxic metals in the environment pose serious, under-recognised hazards to human brain health. By improving how these substances are detected and tracking their biological impacts through modern analytical and computational tools, healthcare specialists can identify risks sooner. This work aids the development of targeted treatments and personalised prevention strategies for individuals affected by metal-induced neurological conditions.
The outlined approaches point to potential applications in clinical diagnostics, biomarker screening, and therapeutic target discovery for neurological disorders. Anticipated users include diagnostic laboratories, environmental health assessors, and pharmaceutical developers. As the review focuses on emerging analytical techniques, computational models, and experimental frameworks rather than finalised products, the technological pathways remain in the early-stage research phase.
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Environmental exposure to toxic metals remains a significant yet under-recognised contributor to neurological disease. Metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic, aluminium, and manganese disrupt cellular homeostasis, contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative diseases. This chapter reviews emerging technologies that are reshaping the study of metal neurotoxicity, including advanced analytical techniques, neuroimaging, multi-omics, experimental models, and computational approaches. It highlights how these innovations improve metal detection, reveal molecular and cellular mechanisms, identify biomarkers, and support the discovery of therapeutic targets. It also explores the roles of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and artificial intelligence in advancing precision environmental neuroscience. Integrating these complementary approaches outlines new opportunities for earlier diagnosis, personalised risk assessment, and targeted interventions for metal-induced neurological disorders.
This page summarises published work. The authoritative version sits with the publisher.
DOI: 10.4018/979-8-2600-1403-5.ch014
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