THE INFLUENCE OF MERCURY POLLUTION ON THE GROWTH OF BIO-INDICATOR PLANTS

Abstract

Heavy metals are found naturally in the earth, and become concentrated as a result of human caused activities. Common sources are from mining and industrial wastes, vehicle emissions, lead- acid batteries, fertilisers, paints, treated woods, aging water supply infrastructure, and microplastics floating in the world's oceans. Heavy metals enter plant, animal and human tissues via air inhalation, diet and manual handling. Most of these chemicals including mercury, lead, cadmium and their compounds are among the most common and highly toxic substances capable of accumulation in living organisms. Heavy metals with excessive exposure to environmental objects behave like ecotoxicants that negatively affect not only individual organisms, but also the ecosystem as a whole.