Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

CONTAMINATION OF GROUNDWATER WITH HEAVY METALS ANDITS IMPACT ON SOIL AND PLANTS – A REVIEW

Humnabad Srikanth and Kamini Kumari and Ram Avtar Meena

Abstract

Heavy metals are naturally occurring compound elements that exist in many forms in the environment andthe Earth’s biosphere. It is any metallic chemical element with a high density that is hazardous or dangerousat tiny concentrations. Mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), and nickel are examples of heavymetals (Ni). These elements are mostly found in water and soil. These natural elements are created by theweathering of parent materials and should occur as a result of human actions. Heavy metal contaminationis a severe issue due to its toxicity and ease of propagation in the biotic world. It also has serious consequencesfor animals, soils, crops, and humans. In this work, we will primarily examine heavy metal contaminationin groundwater and its impact on soil. These elements are beneficial to both plants and humans, but exceedingthe safe limit generates pollution and has a negative impact on the ecosystem. Heavy metal contaminationin soil degrades land and poses a risk to soil and plant growth.