Heavy Metal Toxicity and Associated Health Risks in Animal and Fishes

Abstract

The marine ecosystem is severely contaminated with heavy metals. Some of these are referred to be essential heavy metals because they have vital biological roles for aquatic creatures. Heavy metal levels that are hazardous can result from mining, industry, and agriculture. This will result in alterations to the physicochemical properties of the aquatic environment as well as contamination of the water body. Fish are negatively impacted by this pollution, which is harmful to them and may have negative impacts on human health. The most prevalent heavy metals that are regarded as systemic toxicants and have an impact on human health are arsenic, chromium, lead, and mercury. Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Ag, and more are the main heavy metals. The heavy metals—As, Cd, Pb, and Hg—are thought to be the most hazardous to people, pets, fish, and the environment. Heavy metal concentrations that are too high are harmful. Because they bioaccumulate in organisms, have harmful effects on the biota, and may even cause death in most living things, they disrupt ecosystems. All heavy metals cause mutagenesis and metabolic disruption in living things, despite the fact that some of them are vital micronutrients. For the aforementioned reasons, this review was written to add to the understanding of the toxic mechanism, environmental function, and toxic consequences of heavy metals on fish and mammals.