INCREASING CONCENTRATION OF METALS EFFECTING ECOSYSTEM: REVIEW

Abstract

In the surface of the earth, metals occur naturally, and their concentrations vary between various localities, leading to structural variation of the amounts around them. In terms of trace quantities, certain heavy metals are very important to living organisms due to their metabolic activities. When released from many manufacturing operations, the high solubility of different heavy metals turns them into highly toxic and harmful water and surface pollutants. They may be leached into underground streams, stored in aquifers, or run off into surface soil and water when these metals are introduced into the atmosphere, leading in water and soil contamination.Heavy metals are therefore a possible environmental contaminant that can engage in trophic transport in food chains. The toxicity of heavy metals largely depends on their relative state of oxidation, which is accountable for the bio-toxic physiological effects. When such metals join living things, they form highly stable biotoxic compounds in association with proteins, enzymes and DNA molecules, thereby disturbing their smooth functioning and hindering them from bioreactions. Extremely toxic arsenic, chromium, cadmium, and lead cause mutagenic, carcinogenic, and genotoxic results.This research therefore focuses on the occurrence and distribution of heavy metals, their toxicological effects on the ecosystem, and on people's wellbeing.