The document discusses the impact of heavy metal pollution on the environment. It defines heavy metals as highly toxic chemical elements that can persist in the environment for long periods of time. Heavy metal pollution comes from both natural sources like volcanic eruptions and weathering of rocks, as well as anthropogenic sources such as industrial, mining, and agricultural activities. Heavy metal pollution can contaminate water, soil, air, and marine ecosystems and negatively impact plants, animals, fish, and humans by causing damage to organs and increased risk of cancer upon long term exposure. The document concludes that human activities are degrading the environment through heavy metal pollution, which can bioaccumulate in food chains and cause irreversible damage to ecosystems.