ABSTRACT
This chapter is concerned with toxic metals and organic volatiles. Both plants and animals require metals for growth and development. There are two overall classifications of pollutant sources, i.e., point and non-point. Whereas the former originates from a concentrated point, the latter comes from a wide range of sources. Another source of toxic metals is sewage sludge which is sometimes applied to farmlands. Certain fertilizers can be sources of harmful toxic metals. Mining of copper, gold, iron ore, lead, silver, titanium and zinc can be a significant source of toxic metal pollution. This pollution can result from acidic drainage of mine openings, waste tailings, groundwater seepage and surface water runoff. Volatile organics are those that possess a high vapor pressure and low water solubility.
