Editor’s choice: heavy metal pollution

Heavy metals, metallic elements with relatively high density and high toxicity, are increasingly been released into the environment as a result of anthropogenic activities such as agriculture, industrial production and mining. Heavy metals are classified as carcinogens and have been linked with multi-organ damage. Unlike organic pollutants, heavy metals do not degrade and tend to bioaccumulate along the food chain. The widespread distribution of heavy metals in ecosystems therefore poses serious ecological and health risks.

This Collection brings together some of our recent research investigating environmental pollution by heavy metals, their toxicology and potential remediation strategies.