International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Research (IJSER) ISSN (Online): 2347-3878 Index Copernicus Value (2015): 62.86 | Impact Factor (2015): 3.791 Volume 4 Issue 12, December 2016 www.ijser.in Licensed Under Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Effect of Heavy Metal Ions in Water on Human Health Dr. Bharti Chouhan 1 , Pushpa Meena 2 , Dr. Neelam Poonar 3 Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology and Department of Botany, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India Abstract: The provision of safe drinking water has been one of humanity’s most successful public health interventions and is a defining aspect of a developed country. Metals are released into the environment by both natural and anthropogenic means, especially mining and industrial activities, and automobile exhaust, which are serious harmful to human health. Among all water contaminations, heavy metal ions, such as Pb, Cd, As and Hg, have high toxic and non-biodegradable properties, can cause severe health problems in animals and human beings. Wastewater from many industries, including chemical manufacturing, battery manufacturing industries, metallurgical, leather tanning, and mining, contain these heavy metal ions. These wastewater with heavy metal ions are discharged into natural water directly, not only threat the aquatic organisms, but may be enriched by precipitation, adsorption, and harmed human health through the food chain. The term “heavy metals” refers to any metallic element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous even at low concentration (Lenntech, 2004). Keywords: Water quality, Environment, Heavy metals, Human health 1. Introduction Water covers over 71% of the earth's surface and is a very important natural resource for people (National Environment Research Council, 2007). Yet; only 2.5% of the earth’s water is fresh and thus suitable for consumption. Not only that, but of that 2.5%, more than two-thirds is locked away in glaciers and not particularly able to help meet the growing demands of society (Ward, 2003). It is the fundamental right of every individual to get pollution free water. Water pollution affects drinking water, rivers, lakes and oceans all over the world, which consequently harms human health and the natural environment. Water pollution include sewage and waste water, industrial waste, oil pollution, marine dumping, atmospheric deposition, radioactive waste, underground storage leakages, global warming, eutrophication etc. (Gambhir et al., 2012). With the increasing use of a variety of metals in industry and in our daily life, problems arising from toxic metal pollution of the environment have assumed serious dimensions. Water pollution may not cause immediate effect on the health of the individual but can prove fatal in the long run. Heavy metals from industrial processes can accumulate in nearby lakes and rivers, proving harmful to the marine animals, other animals consuming this toxic water and humans using animal products. Toxins in industrial waste can cause immune suppression, reproductive failure or acute poisoning. 2. Sources and Occurrence Heavy metals occur as natural constituents of the earth crust, and are persistent environmental contaminants since they cannot be degraded or destroyed. To a small extent, they enter the body system through food, air, and water and bio- accumulate over a period of time. (Lenntech, 2004; UNEP/GPA, 2004). Sources of heavy metals in the environment include geogenic, industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, domestic effluents, and atmospheric sources. Natural phenomena such as weathering and volcanic eruptions have also been reported to significantly contribute to heavy metal pollution .Industrial sources include metal processing in refineries, coal burning in power plants, petroleum combustion, nuclear power stations and high tension lines, plastics, textiles, microelectronics, wood preservation and paper processing plants. 3. Toxic Effects Heavy metals disrupt metabolic functions in two ways: a) They accumulate and thereby disrupt function in vital organs and glands such as the heart, brain, kidneys, bone, liver, etc. b) They displace the vital nutritional minerals from their original place, thereby, hindering their biological function. It is, however, impossible to live in an environment free of heavy metals. There are many ways by which these toxins can be introduced into the body such as consumption of foods, beverages, skin exposure, and the inhaled air. 1) Lead Lead poisoning is a type of metal poisoning caused by increased levels of the heavy metallead in the body. Like most toxic heavy metals, lead interferes with a variety of body processes and is toxic to many organs and tissues, including the heart, bones, intestines, kidneys, and reproductive and nervous systems. In children, lead is most damaging.Children are growing at a very fast rate - growing bones, developing stronger muscles and creating many connections in their brain. When lead instead of essential nutrients is "available" to the body to make bones, muscle, and brain connections, permanent harm to health can occur. Lead can be harmful and be associated with:  Learning disabilities resulting in a decreased intelligence (decreased IQ)  Attention deficit disorder  Behavior issues  Nervous system damage  Speech and language impairment  Decreased muscle growth Paper ID: IJSER151135 30 of 32