Review on Lead Contamination in Drinking Water of Pakistan, Consequences on Animal Health and Environmental Integrity: Modulation Through Possible Bioremediation

Review: Lead Contamination in Drinking Water

Abstract

Lead, a non-biodegradable element, pervades the environment through both natural processes and anthropogenic activities. Its presence in air, food, soil and water poses significant health risks, with workers and young children being particularly vulnerable. Lead exposure can remain undetected due to the absence of obvious symptoms, yet it contributes to approximately 0.6% of the global disease burden. World Health Organization recognizes lead as a toxicant, with detrimental effects on various bodily systems including neurological, hematological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular and renal systems. Chronic lead exposure is especially concerning, leading to neurological disorders in children, including antisocial behavior and cognitive impairments. Additionally, it impacts male reproductive function and increases the risk of spontaneous abortion in pregnant individuals. Furthermore, inorganic lead compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Lead toxicity manifests in various ways, including anemia due to decreased red blood cell production and hemoglobin synthesis. Its strong affinity for sulfhydryl groups on proteins leads to enzyme dysfunction and structural protein alterations, primarily affecting the central nervous system. The accumulation of lead in living organisms through the food chain presents a significant environmental and health concern, with even low concentrations posing risks to human and aquatic life. Higher concentrations are extremely toxic to livestock, humans and plants. However, studies in Pakistan reveal that lead contamination in groundwater often exceeds these standards, with alarming concentrations observed in various regions. In summary, lead pollution poses significant health risks to both humans and the environment, with widespread implications for public health and ecosystem. Efforts to mitigate lead exposure and contamination are crucial to safeguarding human health and environmental integrity.