View article

Several heavy metals are toxic to organisms including human and therefore their entry into food chain from polluted agricultural land is required to be controlled. Management and remedial measures of metal contaminated sites depend on the level and distribution of contamination. In view of high heterogeneity of soils in respect of heavy metals concentration, mere analysis of a sample may not confirm contamination due to polluting activities. This chapter describes various approaches for assessing heavy metals contamination of soil and expected degree of threat it may pose to the environment. Importance of baseline concentration in areas with high polluting activity is thoroughly discussed along with statistical significance. Degree of contamination and its threat has also been estimated by researchers through various models. Methods of assessment of risks to organisms due to heavy metals contamination …