In recent decades, both inevitable natural activities and impetuous human activities have caused significant heavy metal contamination, resulting in immense human misery. Elevated levels of these heavy metals are detrimental to plants, animals, and humans, leading to the acute risk of bioaccumulation. This chapter explores various sources and fundamental chemical properties of heavy metals, the impact of contamination on the soil-plant system, critical contamination limits, and the effects of exposure on human health. It also discusses available management strategies, including soil amendments, phytoremediation, bioremediation, and future research directions such as soil washing. By considering these aspects, the chapter aims to offer a detail understanding of the issue and effective solutions for mitigating heavy metal contamination.
Contamination, Heavy metals, Human health, Soil remediation
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