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1. KALYANI GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE
Department of MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
TOPIC TITLE :Toxic Heavy metals Source and Their Bio Chemical
Effects, antidote and bioremediation
Name: Sandip Mondal
Roll: 10200722017
Registration: 221020110208
Stream: Mechanical Engineering
Semester : 4th
Paper: Environmental Sciences
Paper code :MC481
Subject Teacher/Guide: Dr Shrabani Talukdar

2. GROUP-C
GROUP MEMBERS ROLL NO.
BITTU RAKSHIT 10200722013
ROHAN BANERJEE 10200722015
SANDIP MONDAL 10200722017
AKASH GHOSH 10200722018

3. Content Table
Content Page No
Introduction and Basic Concepts 4-5
Human Impact and consequences 6-15
Solution and Awareness 16-20
Conclusion 21
Reference 22
Acknowledgement 23

4. INTRODUCTION
 Toxic heavy metals are a class of dense metals or metalloids that pose a
significant threat to human health and the environment. While some are
essential for life in minute quantities, excessive exposure can lead to a
multitude of health problems. This paper will explore the sources of these
metals, their biochemical effects, potential antidotes, and bioremediation
techniques. We will then delve into the human impact and consequences of
heavy metal contamination, followed by a discussion on solutions and raising
awareness.
Rohan Banerjee

5. BASIC CONCEPTS
 Sources Of Toxic Heavy Metals: Toxic heavy metals, often referred to as THMs, can originate
from both natural and anthropogenic (human-made) sources. Natural sources include volcanic
eruptions and weathering of rocks, while anthropogenic sources are diverse, including industrial
waste, mining activities, vehicle emissions, and use of pesticides.
 Biochemical Effects of toxic heavy metals: THMs like arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr),
mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb) are known to be non-threshold toxins. They can mimic essential
elements in the body, leading to inhibition of biological functions. They also generate reactive
oxygen species (ROS), which can damage DNA, RNA, and proteins.
 Antidotes of heavy metal poisoning: Antidotes for heavy metal poisoning are substances that
can counteract the toxic effects. For example, chelation therapy is a common treatment where
chelating agents bind to heavy metals in the body, making them less toxic and easier to excrete.
 Bioremediation: Antidotes for heavy metal poisoning are substances that can counteract the toxic
effects. For example, chelation therapy is a common treatment where chelating agents bind to
heavy metals in the body, making them less toxic and easier to excrete.
Rohan Banerjee

6. HUMAN IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES
Humans contribute to the dispersion of toxic heavy metals through
various activities
Industrial processes : such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing
release heavy metals into the environment.
 Mining and Smelting: These activities can release arsenic, copper,
zinc, and other heavy metals into the environment
Sandip Mondal

7. HUMAN IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES
 Battery Manufacturing: Batteries contain lead, mercury, and cadmium, which can be released
during production.
In Salar de Atacama, mining
activities consumed up to 65% of
the region’s water, causing havoc
for local farmers
Sandip Mondal

8. HUMAN IMPACT AND CONSEQUENCES
 Leather Tanning: This process often uses chromium, which can
contaminate water and soil.
: Workers unload tannery waste in
June at an industrial complex on the
banks of the Daleshwari River .
Sandip Mondal

9. Agricultural practices: involving pesticides and fertilizers
can contain heavy metals that leach into soil and water. It can
contribute to the spread of heavy metals in the environment in
several ways:
 Use of Chemical Fertilizers: Some fertilizers contain heavy
metals like cadmium and lead, which can accumulate in the soil.
 Pesticides: Certain pesticides may have heavy metals that can
remain in the soil and water.
Sandip Mondal

10. Agricultural practices
 Irrigation with Contaminated Water: Water from polluted
sources can introduce heavy metals into the soil.
Sandip Mondal

11. Waste Disposal:
Toxic heavy metals from waste disposal affect the environment in several
harmful ways.
 Non-Biodegradable: Heavy metals do not break down easily, so they
persist in the environment for a long time.
 Accumulation: They can build up in the soil,
water, and living organisms, including plants
and animals.
Akash Ghosh

12. Waste Disposal:
 Food Chain: Once in the soil or water, heavy metals can enter the food
chain. Plants absorb them, animals eat the plants, and eventually,
humans consume both.
Akash Ghosh

13. Consequences on Human Health:
Exposure to toxic heavy metals can have severe health
effects:
 Neurological disorders: Heavy metals like lead and mercury can impair
cognitive functions and lead to developmental delays in children
 Kidney damage: Metals such as cadmium and uranium can
accumulate in the kidneys, causing renal dysfunction
 Reproductive issues: Exposure to heavy metals can affect reproductive
health, leading to infertility and developmental problems in offspring.
 Cancer: Certain heavy metals, like arsenic and chromium, are known
carcinogens and can increase the risk of cancer
Akash Ghosh

14. Consequences on Human Health:
Exposure to toxic heavy metals can have severe health effects:
Akash Ghosh

15. Consequences on Human Health:
The consequences of heavy metal toxicity are a global concern, and
efforts are ongoing to mitigate their impact on both the
environment and human health
Akash Ghosh

16. SOLUTION AND AWARENESS
 Reduce exposure:
Advocate for stricter regulations on industrial waste disposal. Promote lead-
free products and safe paint removal practices. Increase awareness about
contaminated food sources (e.g., certain types of fish).
 Medical Intervention (in case of acute poisoning):
Antidotes exist for specific metals (e.g., chelating agents for lead).Early
diagnosis and treatment are crucial.
Bittu Rakshit

17.  Bioremediation:
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bioremediation is a
technique that uses naturally occurring organisms to break down hazardous
substances into less toxic or nontoxic substances.
Bioremediation utilizes microorganisms or plants to remove or immobilize
heavy metals from the environment. Microbes can convert these metals into less
harmful forms. Plants can absorb and accumulate them in their tissues.
Bittu Rakshit

18. Bittu Rakshit

19. Bittu Rakshit

20. Raising Awareness
• Educate communities about the dangers of
heavy metals.
• Encourage public participation in
environmental protection initiatives.
• Support research and development of
advanced bioremediation techniques.
Bittu Rakshit

21. CONCLUSION:
The presence of toxic heavy metals poses a significant threat to both human health
and the environment. Through this presentation, we have explored the biochemical
effects of these metals, highlighting their detrimental impact on various physiological
processes. From neurological disorders to cardiovascular complications, the
consequences of heavy metal exposure are wide-ranging and severe.
However, it is not all doom and gloom. We have also delved into potential solutions,
including the use of antidotes to mitigate acute poisoning and the promising field of
bioremediation for long-term environmental cleanup. By raising awareness and
implementing preventive measures, such as stricter regulations and education
initiatives, we can work towards minimizing the risk posed by toxic heavy metals.
Ultimately, it is imperative that we continue to prioritize research and action in this area
to safeguard human health and protect our planet for future generations. Only through
concerted effort and collaboration can we effectively address the challenges posed by
toxic heavy metals and create a safer, healthier world for all.

22. REFERENCES:
o www.wikipedia.com
o www.who.int
o www.epa.gov
o www.nih.gov
o www.usgs.gov
o “Heavy Metals in the Environment: Origin, Interaction and
Remediation" by M. N. V. Prasad
o “Toxicology of Metals: Biochemical Aspects" by Louis Gavin and
Raymond F. Gest

23. Acknowledgement
We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mrs. Shrabani Talukder,
teacher of environmental science for their unwavering support
and guidance throughout the creation of this presentation. Their
profound expertise and keen insights have not only refined the
content but also elevated its clarity and impact.

24. THANK YOU