A review on the ecotoxicological effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms-siftdesk

Abstract

In recent years, with the rapid development of the global economy, heavy metals have been widely used in industrial production and daily life because of their unique properties. This, however, has simultaneously led to heavy metal pollution due to various reasons. After entering the aquatic environment, heavy metals are not easily decomposed by microorganisms and become toxic when they reach a certain concentration. Heavy metals can easily enter the liver and other vital organs of aquatic organisms, where they accumulate and severely affect the growth and reproduction of these organisms. They can also threaten human health through the food chain. Therefore, heavy metal pollution has potential ecological and health risks. This paper summarizes the sources and hazards of heavy metals in water, the pattern of enrichment of heavy metals in aquatic organisms, the toxic effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms, the tolerance mechanism of aquatic animals to heavy metals, and the factors affecting the toxicity of heavy metals. The authors put forward three feasible suggestions for the study of ecotoxicological effects of heavy metals on aquatic organisms in the future. The results of this study have considerable significance for aquaculture and environmental management and even for humans.

A simplified method for determining potential heavy metal leached from sediments of stormwater and combined sewer systems – importance for public health

“…Later, they enter the organisms of aquatic invertebrates and fish through food webs, where they accumulate in the vital organs, affecting the growth and reproduction of these organisms. They can also threaten human health through the food chain, causing a variety of [48]. Thus, heavy metal pollution carries potential risks for the environment and human health.…”

Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Chao Phraya River, Thailand

“…Fishes and aquatic invertebrates bear the brunt of heavy metal toxicity, experiencing hindered developmental growth, heightened occurrences of developmental anomalies, compromised survival rates, particularly during the initial exogenous feeding phase, and even the risk of entire species extinction. Additionally, human health is endangered as heavy metals infiltrate the food chain, amplifying concerns associated with heavy metal contamination in surface water 4 , 5 . Human exposure to heavy metals can lead to both acute and chronic adverse health effects.…”