1Department of Biotechnology, Rajalakshmi Engineering College, Thandalam, Chennai-602105, India
Corresponding Author: Irine Jerald - irinebrinyhepzibha.j@rajalakshmi.edu.in
Heavy metals are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that arise from diverse waste sources, and have detrimental effects on ecosystems, human health, and aquatic life. This comprehensive review synthesizes current knowledge regarding the impacts of heavy metals originating from various waste sources. This review begins by elucidating the sources and pathways through which heavy metals infiltrate the environment, encompassing industrial emissions, agricultural runoff, urban waste, mining activities, and atmospheric deposition. It explores the dynamic interactions between heavy metals and abiotic environments, including soil, water, and sediments, shedding light on the mechanisms underlying their persistence and bioavailability. A pivotal focus of this review is the profound consequences of heavy metal contamination on aquatic ecosystems. It evaluates the ecological repercussions of heavy metal exposure on diverse aquatic organisms, ranging from algae and invertebrates to fish and amphibians. The cascading effects on food webs, biodiversity, and ecosystem services are elucidated, highlighting the need for rigorous monitoring and mitigation strategies. Moreover, this review delves into the complex interplay between heavy metals and human health. It assesses the pathways of human exposure, encompassing consumption of contaminated seafood, drinking water, and inhalation of particulate matter. This review scrutinizes health hazards, including carcinogenicity, neurotoxicity, and developmental toxicity, emphasizing vulnerable populations and long-term health implications.
Keywords: Heavy Metal Pollution, Aquatic Life, Ecosystem, Human Health.
Graphical Abstract: [Not provided]
How to cite this article: Jerald I, Babu MM, Bava SF, Krishnan DBV, Christy EJS. Heavy Metal Contamination From Anthropogenic Waste Sources: Environmental Fate, Aquatic Toxicity, And Human Health Implications. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(6s): 589-609; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.6s.85
Source of support: None
Conflict of interest: None