Glossary H
Deutsch: Schwermetall / Español: Metal pesado / Português: Metal pesado / Français: Métal lourd / Italiano: Metallo pesante
Heavy metal refers to a group of metals and metalloids that have relatively high density and are toxic or poisonous at low concentrations. Common heavy metals include lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic.
Deutsch: Schwermetallbelastung / Español: Contaminación por metales pesados / Português: Contaminação por metais pesados / Français: Contamination par les métaux lourds / Italiano: Contaminazione da metalli pesanti
Heavy Metal Contamination refers to the accumulation of metallic elements with high atomic weights and densities in environmental matrices, posing significant ecological and human health risks. These contaminants originate from both natural processes and anthropogenic activities, persisting in soil, water, and air due to their non-biodegradable nature. Their toxicity varies depending on chemical speciation, concentration, and exposure pathways, necessitating rigorous monitoring and remediation strategies.