Abstract
Globally, rapidly increasing industrialization and urbanization have resulted in the accumulation of higher concentrations of heavy metals in soils. The highly contaminated soil has therefore become unsuitable for cultivation probably because of the deleterious metal effects on the fertility of soils among various other soil characteristics. In addition, the uptake of heavy metals by agronomic crops and later on consumption of contaminated agri-foods have caused a serious threat to vulnerable human health. Considering these, a genuine attempt is made to address various aspects of metal contamination of soils. In addition, the nutritive value of some metals for bacteria and plants is briefly discussed. Here, we have also tried to understand how heavy metals risk to human health could be identified. These pertinent and highly demanding discussions are likely help to strategize the management options by policy makers/public for metal toxicity caused to various agro-ecosystems and for human health program.
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Oves, M., Khan, M.S., Zaidi, A., Ahmad, E. (2012). Soil Contamination, Nutritive Value, and Human Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals: An Overview. In: Zaidi, A., Wani, P., Khan, M. (eds) Toxicity of Heavy Metals to Legumes and Bioremediation. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-0730-0_1
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