A comprehensive review on potential heavy metals in the environment: Persistence, bioaccumulation, ecotoxicology, and agricultural impacts

Heavy metal contamination poses a significant and widespread risk to environmental and crop systems due to its toxicity, persistence, and potential for bioaccumulation. The review explored the sources of potential heavy metals, their fate and transport in the environment, and their ecotoxicological effects were examined to understand their soil-sorbing potential and their entry into food webs. It further reported that remediation techniques such as chemical leaching, in situ stabilization, thermal desorption, phytoremediation, and microbial remediation were also evaluated and compared in terms of their mechanisms, efficacies, and limitations. The paper emphasized recent research and technological developments aimed at enhancing remediation efficiency. It aimed to highlight the importance of integrating environmental and crop management to address the long-term threats posed by potential heavy metals. Additionally, the study called for the adoption of sustainable agricultural practices, long-term environmental monitoring, and stringent regulatory oversight to ensure both environmental protection and food safety. It concluded that a holistic and interdisciplinary approach was essential for effectively mitigating heavy metal pollution and protecting both ecosystems and human health.