Fate and Transport of Heavy Metals in Soil, Surface Water, and Groundwater: Implications for Environmental Management

Critical challenges caused by heavy metals, such as hexavalent chromium, arsenic, and cadmium, emanate from their persistence and toxicity. This work discusses the fate and transport of heavy metals in the soil, surface water, and groundwater, focusing on their sources, pathways, and mechanisms of mobility. The research, therefore, underlines the key processes governing the behavior of heavy metals in environmental media by using a comprehensive review of field data and advanced modeling techniques. It becomes evident that mining, discharge of industrial waste, and agricultural activities are the predominant anthropogenic sources of contamination. Besides these factors, speciation and, further, the bioavailability of metals depend upon the climatic and soil type, which affects the paths of transport of these species. This research has shown a dire need for some effective environmental management strategies using remediation technologies and regulatory frameworks that might help minimize the risks to ecosystems and human health.