Heavy Metal Water Contamination: Anthropogenic Sources and Environmental and Public Health Implications

Objective: To investigate the main anthropogenic actions responsible for the contamination of water bodies by heavy metals, identifying the most recurrent elements, their sources, and their environmental and health impacts through a systematic literature review based on scientific publications from 2015 to 2025. Method: This is a systematic review with a qualitative approach, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Specific descriptors were used in the Scopus database, resulting in the identification of 160 articles. After screening, 12 studies aligned with the research objective were included for detailed data analysis. Results and Discussion: The most frequently detected heavy metals were cadmium, lead, copper, nickel, chromium, zinc, arsenic, iron, manganese, and mercury. The main identified sources of contamination included mining, industry, agriculture, urban waste, and natural erosion. The impacts include ecological risks, food chain contamination, and serious diseases. Research Implications: The research highlights the urgency of implementing environmental control measures, such as remediation technologies, continuous monitoring, and integrated public policies. Understanding these sources and consequences is essential for developing prevention and mitigation strategies aimed at public health and environmental preservation. Originality/Value: This study provides an updated and comprehensive synthesis of the international scientific literature on heavy metal water contamination, emphasizing the need for evidence-based cross-sectoral actions. The analysis contributes to the field of environmental management and public health by proposing sustainable solutions.