Heavy metals pollution problemsand ways to overcome them

Abstract

We analyzed scientific sources, that allowed to clarify the problem of heavy metal pollution in the environment. It was found that heavy metals include more than 40 metals of the periodic table of D. Mendeleev witha/ atomic mass of more than 50 atomic units: V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sn, Hg, Pb, Bi etc. and their excess content in various objects of the biosphere which has a depressing as well as toxic effect on all living organisms.The main sources of heavy metals entering the environment have been determined - these are industry, transport, boiler houses, incinerators, solid household waste, agricultural production, etc. We’ve determined permissible levels of the content of toxic elements in various groups of food raw materials and food products. In tables 1.2 and 1.3 we presented data on the response of plants to increased concentrations of heavy metals and their effect on human and animal health, because plant food is the main source of intake in their body.We also identified a number of chemical elements that, when they enter a living organism, in the presence of high concentrations, affect organs and systems, causing dangerous diseases. We revealed that the main factor of biosphere pollution is industrial production and we proposed measures that will contribute to the reduction or complete elimination of hazardous waste. A solution to these problems is proposed by strengthening legal liability for illegal waste handling; greening transport and industry; use of alternative types of energy; introduction of organic agriculture; the formation of the ecological consciousness of society, the priority of ecological upbringing and education