Heavy metal (chemistry)

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A heavy metal is a member of an ill-defined subset of elements that exhibit metallic properties, which would mainly

include the transition metals, some metalloids, lanthanides, andactinides. Many different definitions have been

proposed—some based on density, some on atomic number or atomic weight, and some on chemical

properties or toxicity.[1] The termheavy metal has been called a "misinterpretation" in an IUPAC technical report due

to the contradictory definitions and its lack of a "coherent scientific basis".[1] There is an alternative term toxic metal,

for which no consensus of exact definition exists either. As discussed below, depending on context, heavy metal can

include elements lighter than carbon and can exclude some of the heaviest metals. Heavy metals occur naturally in

the ecosystem with large variations in concentration. In modern times, anthropogenic sources of heavy metals, i.e.

pollution, have been introduced to the ecosystem. Waste-derived fuels are especially prone to contain heavy metals

so they should be a central concern in a consideration of their use.

Heavy metal pollution

Motivations for controlling heavy metal concentrations in gas streams are diverse. Some of them are dangerous to

health or to the environment (e.g. Hg, Cd, As, Pb, Cr), some may cause corrosion (e.g. Zn, Pb), some are harmful in

other ways (e.g. Arsenic may pollute catalysts). Within the European community the 13 elements of highest concern

are As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, and Tl, the emissions of which are regulated in waste incinerators. Some

of these elements are actually necessary for humans in minute amounts (Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Ni) while others are

carcinogenic or toxic, affecting, among others, the central nervous system (Mn, Hg, Pb, As), the kidneys or liver (Hg,

Pb, Cd, Cu) or skin, bones, or teeth (Ni, Cd, Cu, Cr).[3]

Heavy metal pollution can arise from many sources but most commonly arises from the purification of metals, e.g.,

the smelting of copper and the preparation of nuclear fuels. Electroplating is the primary source of chromium

and cadmium. Through precipitation of their compounds or by ion exchange into soils and muds, heavy metal

pollutants can localize and lay dormant. Unlike organic pollutants, heavy metals do not decay and thus pose a

different kind of challenge for remediation. Currently, plants or microrganisms are tentatively used to remove some

heavy metals such as mercury. Plants which exhibit hyper accumulation can be used to remove heavy metals from

soils by concentrating them in their bio matter. Some treatment of mining tailings has occurred where the vegetation

is then incinerated to recover the heavy metals.

One of the largest problems associated with the persistence of heavy metals is the potential

for bioaccumulation and biomagnification causing heavier exposure for some organisms than is present in the

environment alone. Coastal fish (such as the smooth toadfish) and seabirds (such as the Atlantic Puffin) are often

monitored for the presence of such contaminants