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HERO ID
467707
Reference Type
Journal Article
Title
Heavy metal pollution and human biotoxic effects
Author(s)
Duruibe, JO; Ogwuegbu, MOC; Egwurugwu, JN
Year
2007
Is Peer Reviewed?
Yes
Journal
International Journal of Physical Sciences
ISSN:
1992-1950
Volume
2
Issue
5
Page Numbers
112-118
Language
English
Web of Science Id
WOS:000260582600001
Abstract
Some heavy metals have bio-importance as trace elements but, the biotoxic effects of many of them in human biochemistry are of great concern. Hence, there is the need for proper understanding of the conditions, such as the concentrations and oxidation states, which make them harmful, and how biotoxicity occurs. It is also important to know their sources, leaching processes, chemical conversions and their modes of deposition to pollute the environment, which essentially supports lives. Literature sources point to the fact that these metals are released into the environment by both natural and anthropogenic sources, especially mining and industrial activities, and automobile exhausts (for lead). They leach into underground waters, moving along water pathways and eventually depositing in the aquifer, or are washed away by run-off into surface waters thereby resulting in water and subsequently soil pollution. Poisoning and toxicity in animals occur frequently through exchange and co-ordination mechanisms. When ingested, they combine with the body's biomolecules, like proteins and enzymes to form stable biotoxic compounds, thereby mutilating their structures and hindering them from the bioreactions of their functions. This paper reviews certain heavy metals and their biotoxic effects on man and the mechanisms of their biochemical activities.
Keywords
Biochemical; biotoxic; environment; heavy metals; pollution; trace-metals
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