Heavy Metal Contamination in the Environment: Health Impacts and Potential Remediation Approaches

This reference book explores the multifaceted problem of heavy metal contamination in the environment. Through its in-depth analysis, the book provides a thorough overview of the sources and pathways of heavy metals, their persistence in ecosystems, and the resulting health impacts on individuals and ecosystems. The chapters explore the diverse sources of contamination, including industrial activities, mining, agriculture, and urbanization, while examining the types of heavy metals found in the environment and their toxicological properties. The book further reviews the profound health effects associated with heavy metal exposure, such as neurological disorders, developmental abnormalities, carcinogenicity, and organ damage. Furthermore, the book provides insights into risk assessment methodologies, regulatory frameworks, and guidelines aimed at controlling and minimizing heavy metal exposure. It highlights the challenges and gaps in current regulations, identifies potential areas for improvement, and presents analytical techniques for heavy metal analysis and removal. This book is an important source for researchers and professionals working in the fields of environmental science, toxicology, and public health.

Dr. Veer Singh is currently working as Young Scientist (DHR) at the Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Patna, India. He got PhD from the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi. He has more than 45 publications and his area of work involved Environmental contamination & toxicity, the role of drinking water heavy metals contamination in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) & post-kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) development.

Dr. Ashish Kumar is currently working as Scientist-C and Head of Department at the Department of Biochemistry, Rajendra Memorial Research Institute of Medical Sciences, and Patna, India. He has published more than 40 publications in International/national journals. He has received several awards and received several funding (sponsored projects) from many national and international agencies. Currently, 4 doctoral and 2 postdoctoral students are working under the supervision of Dr. Ashish Kumar. Dr. Kumar is working in the interdisciplinary area of life science. His work is mainly focused on visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and post kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL). He is also working on VL and PKDL diagnosis, treatment and environmental impacts on disease development.

Dr. Vishal Mishra is currently working as Assistant Professor in the School of Biochemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, India. He got his PhD degree from IIT Roorkee, India. He has more than 100 potential publications and his area of work involved wastewater treatment; heavy metal contamination, Life cycle assessment, agro-waste biomass, and Carbon Materials/green synthesized nanomaterials for enhanced capacitance.

Dr. Sachchida Nand Rai is currently working as Postdoctoral Fellow at Centre of Experimental Medicine & Surgery Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi – 221005, India. He got his PhD degree from Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India. He has more than 60 potential publications and his area of work involved neurological diseases, neurotoxicity, mushroom biotechnology, heavy metal toxicity, environmental contaminations and their remediation.