Significance of Heavy Metals

Abstract

Heavy metals have been a major subject of concern due to various health challenges associated with exposure to it. The significance of heavy metals in the society is underestimated. This chapter is focused on the significance of heavy metals in our society. Heavy metals have both beneficial and harmful effects on the environment, human and society at large. Heavy metals have been well known for its toxicity at high concentration in the ecosystem, human health plants and animals.Aside from its toxicity, there are some specific ones at permissible limit that are essential to proper functioning and growth of plants and animals even as well as in human. In agriculture, it is a major ingredient in the manufacture of agrochemicals and fertilizers to enhance plants productivity. In human, iron is needed for the production of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood, and zinc is required for proper immune system function. Copper and zinc have been identified as a vital element in animal growth and lack of it can results in deformities. Heavy metals is widely utilized in the metallurgical, mining, smelting industries. Zn, Fe, Cu, enhances the growth of microbes. All these beneficial effects is at a permissible limit.Hence, individuals, industries, organizations, and government agencies must be cognizant of these limits. Government agencies must put in place necessary measures to be followed by industries and organizations in ensuring a proper use and as well control exposure to these metals so as to ameliorate its toxicity in the society.