ABSTRACT
Most heavy metals are commonly associated with pollution and toxicity problems, particularly when they are present in soluble form. Nonbiodegradable toxic heavy metal contamination has become one of the most important environmental problems in the world, especially in many developing countries such as China and India. The trade in various food items due to globalization may transfer food products contaminated with toxic heavy metal to other places that may not be affected by the contamination. Sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium are essential light metals that are extremely important in sustaining biological growth. Four sources have contributed to heavy metal contamination: natural sources, industrial sources, domestic sources, and atmospheric sources. Arsenic is an extremely toxic poison that can affect the human body. Such pathways as plant–man and plant–animal–man may be potentially severe for human exposure to arsenic, particularly due to globalization and free trade.
