Effects of heavy metal contaminant Essay

Mercury is the type of heavy metals that belonging to transition element series of the periodic table. It can be found in nature in three forms which are elemental, organic and inorganic form. Each form has its own profile of toxicity. Mercury is utilized in dentistry, electrical industry and various industrial processes including the production of caustic soda, as antifungal agents for wood processing, in nuclear reactors and as a solvent for reactive and precious metal (Paul B Tchounwou, 2014).,
Manganese
Manganese is one of the heavy metals that can be found in earth's crust and commonly occurring with iron. Manganese occurs naturally in groundwater and surface water sources and in soils that may erode into the water. However, manganese contaminant in water also can be contributed by human activities ( World Health Organization , 2011) Liming, fertilization addition, conifer afforestation, drainage ditch construction and plowing increased amount of manganese concentrations in runoff. Flooding and waters associated with mining can contribute to increase in manganese concentrations in ground water sources that used for drinking water (Tammie L. Gerke, 2016).
Effects of heavy metal contaminant.
Heavy metals contaminant in groundwater can give negative effect to the human health because these are persistent in nature and have accumulation tendency in biological systems. In recent years, there has been increase in ecological and global public health that related with these heavy metals (Paul B Tchounwou, 2014). Different types of heavy metals will give different impact based on their toxicity.
Zinc
Several zinc toxicity in water can give negative effect to human health such as vomiting, drowsiness, dehydration, lethargy, abdominal pain, electrolytic imbalance, nausea, lack of muscular coordination, and renal failure. Excessive zinc in water can cause increase in risk of developing anemia, lowers down HDL cholesterol levels and raised LDL cholesterol levels, damage to the pancreas and possibly enhances the symptoms of the Alzheimer's disease.
Lead
Excessive concentration of lead in body can cause permanent damage to the central nervous system, the brain, and kidneys. These effects of damage can cause behavior and learning problems such as memory and concentration problems, hyperactivity, high blood pressure, headaches, hearing problems, slowed growth, reproductive problems in men and women, muscle and joint pain and digestive problem. Lead considered the number one health threat to children and the effect of lead poisoning can last a lifetime. High concentrations of lead in body also can cause death (Hanaa, 2000).
Copper
Excessive dose of copper leads to severe mucosal irritation and corrosion, wide spread capillary damage, renal and hepatic damage and central nervous system irritation by depression.
Cadmium
Excessive cadmium in water that be drank by human can affect the kidney and cause cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In low doses of cadmium, it can produce headaches, coughing and vomiting. In high doses of cadmium, it can accumulate in the liver and kidneys, can replace calcium in bones, leading to painful bone disorders and to a renal failure (Hanaa, 2000)
Nickel
Excessive nickel in human body can cause eczema and hair loss.