Toxic effects of Arsenic in plants: Current developments

Metal pollution has become one of the most serious environmental problems today as a result of human activities such as mining and smelting of metalliferous ores, electroplating, gas exhaust, energy and fuel production, fertilizers and pesticide application etc. Over the years contamination of water and soil by heavy metals (HM) has enhanced enormously in urban areas due to fast industrialization and poor management of environment including soil health. A potential health risk for both humans and animals occur in many regions of the world especially in Asia due to contamination of food with arsenics. Arsenic is toxic even at low concentration. Some of this HM inhibits plant growth and development. Moreover, it is carcinogenic and can cause health hazards.