Heavy Metals and Pesticides in Water Bodies: Sources, Impacts, and Remediation Strategies

Abstract

Heavy metal and pesticide contamination in water bodies is a pressing global environmental issue, threatening ecosystems, human health, and sustainable development. The resulting effluent (contaminated with heavy metals and pesticides) has a harmful influence on human health, the ecology, and the aquatic environment. Biodegradable and biocompatible insecticides (including plant-based) have recently been offered as environmentally friendly and safe alternatives to synthetic pesticides. Heavy metal pollution in the aquatic environment is on the rise due to industrialization, climate change, and urbanization. This review aims to provide an overview of heavy metals and pesticides in water bodies, their sources, impacts, and mitigation strategies, drawing on recent research.