The role of heavy metals in biological organisms and their negative impact in case of man-made pollution

Abstract

Heavy metals play a dual role in living organisms. In low concentrations, they are components of biologically active substances that regulate the normal course of vital processes. The increase in harmless concentrations of heavy metals as a result of man-made pollution leads to negative and even catastrophic consequences for living beings. In nature, heavy metals occur as minerals, salts, oxides, and sulfides.