Introduction
All living things require access to water, yet it is regrettably not always free from impurities. Heavy metals are one class of contaminants that can have a substantial effect on both human health and water quality.
Heavy metals are naturally occurring substances that can enter water supplies through a variety of human activities, including mining operations, pesticide production, industrialization, and normal weathering of rocks and soils.
These metals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and can be hazardous even at low quantities, which makes them a major concern to human health.
The most frequent heavy metals found in water supplies, their origins of contamination, potential health effects, and the significance of water testing and treatment to protect our health and the environment are all covered in this article.
Making educated decisions about water treatment and ensuring that everyone has access to safe and clean drinking water depend on an understanding of the presence and effects of heavy metals in water.
Are Common Heavy Metals in Water Toxic?
It is well recognized that heavy metals are dangerous natural elements that can impair both the environment and human health. Heavy metal toxicity is influenced by a number of variables, including the particular metal, its concentration, the length of exposure, and the exposure route (e.g., ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact).
Lead poisoning (how to test before it’s too late?), mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and chromium are just a few examples of the poisonous heavy metals that can have a variety of negative health effects. These side effects could result in harm to the brain system as well as critical organs including the kidneys, liver, and lungs.
Chronic health difficulties, such as neurological abnormalities, child developmental delays, reproductive problems, and an elevated risk of several malignancies, can result from long-term exposure to heavy metals.
Because heavy metals can build up in the body over time, they are poisonous. They can get into our bodies via ingesting contaminated food and water, as well as entering the food chain through contaminated soil, water, and air.
The toxicity of heavy metals varies based on the particular metal and its high concentrations, it is crucial to remember. In tiny doses, some heavy metals, such as copper and zinc, are essential nutrients; nevertheless, at high concentrations, they can become hazardous.
The amounts of heavy metals in our environment, especially in drinking water sources, must be monitored and controlled due to the potential health hazards connected with heavy metal exposure.
Regular water testing and the right water treatment techniques can reduce the danger of exposure to heavy metals and guarantee the availability of safe and healthy drinking water.
What Do Heavy Metals Impact Your Body?
Heavy metals can have various detrimental effects on the human body. When heavy metals enter the body, they can accumulate in tissues and organs over time, leading to both acute and chronic health problems. Here are some of the effects heavy metals can have on the body:
Organ damage
Important organs like the liver, kidney disease, lungs, and nervous system dysfunction are susceptible to damage from heavy metals. They may obstruct these organs’ regular operations, which could result in reduced organ function, weaker immune system, and long-term health issues.
Neurological Effects
Many heavy metals can cause the nervous system dysfunction because they have a special affinity for it. They can cause symptoms like forgetfulness, cognitive decline, delays in children’s growth, nerve damage, and even neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Developmental and Reproductive Problems
Lead poisoning, mercury, and cadmium are only a few of the heavy metals that are known to have harmful effects on fetal development and reproductive health. They can result in reproductive problems, infertility, developmental delays, and birth abnormalities.
Cellular Damage
Heavy metals can cause oxidative stress and damage to cells and tissues, which results in cellular damage. They have the capacity to impair regular cellular functions and interfere with enzyme functioning, which may result in cellular malfunction and DNA damage.
Carcinogenicity
Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium are just a few of the heavy metals that are considered carcinogenic. Long-term exposure to these metals has been associated with a higher risk of developing several malignancies, including bladder, kidney, lung, and liver cancer.
Effects on the cardiovascular system
Cardiovascular issues have been linked to some heavy metals, including lead and arsenic. They can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes, excessive blood pressure, and heart disease.
It is crucial to remember that the severity of heavy metal poisoning consequences may differ based on the particular heavy metal, concentration, length of exposure, and individual sensitivity.
The danger of negative health consequences and a weakened immune system can be minimized by using proper water treatment techniques and limiting exposure to heavy metals. It is essential to regularly check water sources for heavy metal contamination in order to preserve the environment and protect the general public’s health.
5 Most Common Heavy Metals in Water
Cadmium
Industrial processes including mining, metal plating, and battery production are the main ways that cadmium enters waterways. Additionally, it can contaminate agricultural soils, which can contaminate the food chain. Exposure to cadmium poisoning has been linked to kidney damage, respiratory problems, and a higher chance of developing some malignancies.
Manganese
Rocks, soil, and water all contain the naturally occurring metal manganese. Despite being a necessary vitamin for the body in modest proportions, excessive manganese levels in drinking water can be unsettling.
Mining operations, industrial discharges, and natural geological sources can all lead to high manganese levels. Neurological consequences, particularly in newborns and young children, have been linked to long-term exposure to high manganese levels in drinking water.
Cognitive deficits, behavioral abnormalities, and issues with motor function may be signs of manganese toxicity.
Arsenic
Rocks, soils, and groundwater all contain arsenic, a heavy element that is present naturally. In regions where the geological environment contains large concentrations of arsenic or places near pesticide production facilities, it can contaminate drinking water supplies.
A number of health issues, including skin lesions, malignancies (including skin, bladder, and lung cancer), and cardiovascular illnesses have all been related to long-term exposure to arsenic in drinking water.
Lead
Lead is a highly toxic heavy metal that can enter water supplies through aging and corroded pipes, plumbing fixtures, and solder used in plumbing materials.
Lead poisoning poses a significant health risk, especially for children and pregnant women, and can cause developmental issues, neurological damage, and various other health problems.
Copper
Because galvanized pipes, plumbing materials, and water distribution systems corrode, copper can end up in water supplies. Although copper is an essential metal that must be consumed in minimal amounts, excessive concentrations of copper in drinking water can be harmful to your health.
Constipation and nausea are two gastrointestinal problems that can result from excessive copper exposure. Long-term exposure to excessive copper concentrations can harm the liver and cause kidney disease.
Wilson’s illness, a hereditary condition that impairs copper metabolism, makes sufferers more vulnerable to copper exposure.
How Can I Remove Heavy Metals from the Body
Removing metal particles from the body is a process that should be guided by a healthcare professional. Here are some common methods used for heavy metal detoxification:
Chelation Therapy
Chelation therapy involves administering chelating chemicals like DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid) or EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). These substances build compounds with toxic metals in the body that can be eliminated through urination. Usually, chelation therapy is carried out under the guidance of a qualified medical expert.
Changing your diet
Certain foods can help the body remove metals and boost the body’s natural detoxification processes. Sulfur-rich foods like garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, kale) can aid in the detoxification of metal components.
Consuming foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, green tea, and leafy greens, can also help lessen the oxidative stress brought on by exposure to toxic heavy metals.
Supplements
Some supplements may help the body detoxify heavy metals. For instance, some minerals, such as zinc and selenium, can assist in lowering the absorption of toxic heavy metals. Other supplements, such chlorella and activated charcoal, may aid in binding to heavy metals and facilitating their excretion.
Hydration
It’s important to drink enough water to support kidney health and the production of urine, which helps the body get rid of heavy metals. Maintaining sufficient hydration aids in the removal of toxins and promotes general detoxification.
Sauna therapy
Through the use of sweating, pollutants, including heavy metals, can be eliminated through the skin. Saunas increase body temperature, which encourages sweating and helps eliminate pollutants.
How Can I Remove Heavy Metals From Drinking Water?
To remove heavy metals from contaminated water, several treatment methods can be employed depending on the specific metal and its concentration. Here are some common techniques used for heavy metal removal from contaminated water
Coagulation and flocculation
Coagulation is the process of forming metal hydroxide flocs in contaminated water by introducing chemicals such as alum or ferric chloride. The flocs can subsequently be eliminated using filtration or sedimentation procedures.
Ion Exchange
Water is passed through a resin bed that swaps ions with heavy metals during ion exchange with a softener. Heavy metal ions are drawn to and bound by the resin, which then releases innocuous ions in their place.
Activated Carbon Filtration
Activated carbon filters are efficient at eliminating hazardous organic compounds and some heavy metals. As water flows through the filter, heavy metal ions are adsorbted by the porous structure of activated carbon.
Reverse Osmosis
The removal of heavy metals from water using reverse osmosis (RO) is very successful. Heavy metal ions and other pollutants are removed from the water using a semipermeable membrane.
Electrodialysis
Electrodialysis involves the use of an electric field to remove heavy metal ions from water. This process utilizes ion-selective membranes to allow the passage of specific ions while blocking others.
Precipitation
Precipitation is the process of forming insoluble metal compounds in water by adding a chemical agent, such as lime or sodium hydroxide. These substances can be eliminated by sedimentation or filtration after they settle.
Distillation
Water is heated to a vaporized state, and then the vapor is condensed back into a liquid state. Heavy metals are successfully removed by this procedure because they do not evaporate with the water.
Related:
Best Water Filters For Heavy Metals
Reverse Osmosis Systems:
The effectiveness of reverse osmosis (RO) devices in eliminating heavy metals is well known. Lead, mercury, and arsenic are all successfully filtered out by these methods using a semipermeable membrane.
Look for RO systems that have many filtering stages, including one specifically for removing heavy metals. iSpring, Home Master, and APEC Water Systems are a few of the well-liked choices.
Activated Carbon Filters
Another fantastic option for eliminating heavy metals from water is using activated carbon filters. They function by successfully lowering the concentration of the metal ions by adsorbing them onto the carbon surface.
Look for carbon filters made of high-grade activated carbon, such as carbon block filters or granular activated carbon (GAC). Pitchers with activated carbon filters and inexpensive faucet-mounted filters are available from companies including Brita, PUR, and ZeroWater.
Ion Exchange Filters
Heavy metals can be selectively removed from water using ion exchange filters. These filters function by swapping dangerous metal ions for more advantageous ones. They are very good at getting rid of copper and lead.
Ion exchange filters with significant alternatives are Aquasana and ZeroWater.
You may find these helpful:
Distillation Systems
Traditional water treatment techniques like distillation are successful at removing heavy metals. Heavy metals and other impurities are left behind after boiling water, collecting the steam, and condensing it back into liquid form.
Popular options for removing heavy metals include countertop distillers from manufacturers like Megahome and H2oLabs.
Combination Filters
To target heavy metals and other impurities, several water filters combine different filtration techniques. For instance, some systems combine RO, ion exchange, and/or activated carbon technologies to offer thorough filtering.
Such combination filters are available from companies like Aquasana, Home Master, and APEC Water Systems.
When it comes to combo filters, you definitely want to check out our review on best whole house water filter and softener combo
Conclusion
The presence of heavy metals in our water is a significant concern due to the potential health risks they pose. Understanding the common heavy metals found in water, such as lead, mercury, arsenic, cadmium, manganese, and copper, allows us to take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our families.
While the responsibility of ensuring water safety primarily lies with regulatory bodies and water treatment facilities, individual actions can also make a difference.
The amount of heavy metals in our drinking water can be greatly decreased by investing in efficient water filtering systems, such as reverse osmosis, activated carbon filters, ion exchange filters, or distillation systems.
Heavy metals can be eliminated by these filtration techniques, making drinking water cleaner and safer. It’s critical to choose a filtration system that meets your unique requirements, taking into account natural elements including the level of heavy metals present, spending constraints, and maintenance needs.
Everyone has a basic right to access clean, safe drinking water. We may shield ourselves and our loved ones from the negative consequences of heavy metals in our water supply by being knowledgeable, taking preventative measures, and investing in dependable filtration systems.
Working together, we can create a world where everyone has access to clean, safe water.