Table 1 Adverse effect of heavy metals on human health

1

Hg¹⁺

Liver damage, neural damage, gastrointestinal toxicity, neurotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity [29,30,31]

2

Pb²⁺

Neural damage, kidney damage, gastrointestinal diseases, decrease in male sperm count in men, and abortions in women [33, 34]

3

Cd²⁺

Kidney failure, bone disorders, chronic anemia, and cancer of the prostate, kidney, hematopoietic system, liver, and stomach [37, 38]

4

Cr⁶⁺

Cancer of respiratory tract and stomach, and liver damage [39, 40]

5

As³⁺

Cancer, liver and kidney failure, respiratory problems, diabetes, miscarriages, neural damage, and cardiovascular problems [42,43,44]

6

Zn²⁺

Stomach cramps, fever, vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea [49]