Discussion of Theory regarding

Heavy Metals specifically Chromium, Arsenic and Mercury

I. DISCUSSION OF THEORY

Heavy metals are natural components that can be found all over the Earth’s crust
which are depicted by their large atomic weight and relatively high density. Five gram per
cubic centimeter is a common value of density for heavy metals which means that it is
greater five times than that of water and which may also distinguish them from other lighter
metals. Heavy metals may be heaven-sent that arisen from asteroid crashes, but these
metals whether on high concentration or low concentration may be highly toxic depending
on what system it goes. Three heavy metals that are emphasized on this output are
Chromium (Cr), Arsenic (As), and Mercury (Hg).

The Earth’s crust, the volcanic outbursts, the weathering of rocks and soils, sea-salt
sprays, and biogenic sources are some of the natural roots of metals which significantly
contribute to the number of heavy metals present in the environment. Some also came from
industrial, pharmaceutical, and domestic effluents. The 17th most ample element present in
the earth’s mantle is Chromium. Chromium found in bodies of water may not just be from
its natural sources but may also come from metal industries, industrial wastewaters from
painting and tanning, corrosion control, fungicides, and domestic wastes. Arsenic, also an
abundant metal in the earth’s crust and awfully toxic in its inorganic form, sources out from
rocks and soils having arsenic components, volcanic eruptions, industrial wastewaters from
copper smelting and mining, and from agricultural wastes due to arsenic-containing
fertilizers, insecticides, and herbicides. Resembling with chromium and arsenic, mercury is
also a component of the earth’s crust which can form inorganic mercury compounds by
merging with other elements. Possible sources can come from industrial processes,
productions, mining, preservatives, and fungicides.

Determination methods of such metals are quite a lot, lining from simple tests to
more complex tests. Some classic techniques used in determining heavy metals like Cr, As
and Hg are atomic absorption spectroscopy, atomic emission spectrometry, and wet
chemical methods such as titrimetric, calorimeter and gravimetric. With the advances of
technology in this era, biosensors were developed to determine heavy metals. This biosensor
is a fusion of the scientific realm of biotechnology and microelectronics. Administered by an
immobilized enzyme, this biosensor consists of a transducer paired with an immobilized
biological component. Lab-on-paper sensor is an example of this which determines copper,
chromium, nickel, mercury, silver, lead, and cadmium. Another one is a genetically encoded
fluorescent sensor where heavy metals contained in biological cells are monitored and it’s
been proven to determine heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper and,
zinc. Currently, a developing sensor is being made and studied which has an extremely close
connection with nanotechnology. It is described as quick, selective, highly responsive, and
has fast optical, biological, and chemical sensory systems.

Still, with the rising population and the continuous emission of these metals, the
threat of these to the environment and its constituents should not be ignored. Chromium
has 3 stable and common oxidation states which are Cr(0), Cr(III), and Cr(VI). Although
Cr(III) is an essential dietary nutrient, Cr(VI) which is another form of Cr is toxic. In low level
exposure, irritation of the skin and ulceration are possible to get. Kidney damage and liver
damage are some caused by long term exposure to it. Fishes that live under contaminated
water with a high amount of chromium may endanger anyone who consumes it. Meanwhile,
mercury having a concentration of 0.144mg/m3, a small amount as it is, is already toxic to
any organism. Animals in waters with high level concentration of mercury will cause death,
reduced reproduction, slower growth, and abnormal behavior. Contaminated groundwater
with arsenic is also a very great threat. Although arsenic is found in some food that we eat,
it has an extremely lower concentration than what we get from the contaminated
groundwater. Inhalation, ingestion, or dermal contact from the water with a high
concentration of this metal may increase the risk of systemic health effects and carcinogenic
health effects.

Although these three metals are very dangerous in either low or high concentration,
the positive benefits of these metals can be as many as how we describe them as dangerous.
Processes of removal of these metals like biosorption and bioremediation is very important.
In any circumstances, if suspicion of water comes, authorities should be immediately
contacted. Industrial pollution like poor storages, a lot of leakages, and deficient industrial
waste disposal practices should not be tolerated. The overuse of chemical fertilizers should
also be reported. Since the water that we use in our daily lives is just a few percent of the
total earth’s water, we should take care of it properly as it takes care of us.
II. REFERENCES

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Rajakovic, L., & Rajakovic-Ognjanovic, V. (2018, July 25). Arsenic in Water: Determination
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