42
1.9.1.6 Toxic Cycle
Apart from nutrients, toxins also follow biogeochemical path even though it harms
living organisms (Fig. 1.26). Toxins, both natural and manmade, often enter water
stream and air that would affect health of the flora and fauna.
The heavy metals poisoning may occur due to industrial exposure, pollution,
foods, medicines, food containers, or exposure to lead-based paints. Apart from
heavy metals, human health may get affected due to exposure to array of chemicals
that include agrochemicals, household pesticides, pollution, and hazardous waste.
1.10 Nuclear Chemistry
Atoms comprise of nucleus made up of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons. Table 1.6 gives properties of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The protons as well as neutrons are called nucleons as they make up the nucleus
of an atom. Nucleons are attracted to each other by the strong nuclear force. Stable
nuclei normally have neutron-to-proton ratio of at least 1 and “even” numbers of
both protons and neutrons.
Toxins
Leaching
U ptake by Absorption
Dead Plant
Healthy Plant
Fig. 1.26 Toxic cycle
1 Fundamentals of Chemistry for Environmental and Medical Professionals
1.9.1.6 Toxic Cycle
Apart from nutrients, toxins also follow biogeochemical path even though it harms
living organisms (Fig. 1.26). Toxins, both natural and manmade, often enter water
stream and air that would affect health of the flora and fauna.
The heavy metals poisoning may occur due to industrial exposure, pollution,
foods, medicines, food containers, or exposure to lead-based paints. Apart from
heavy metals, human health may get affected due to exposure to array of chemicals
that include agrochemicals, household pesticides, pollution, and hazardous waste.
1.10 Nuclear Chemistry
Atoms comprise of nucleus made up of protons and neutrons surrounded by electrons. Table 1.6 gives properties of protons, neutrons, and electrons.
The protons as well as neutrons are called nucleons as they make up the nucleus
of an atom. Nucleons are attracted to each other by the strong nuclear force. Stable
nuclei normally have neutron-to-proton ratio of at least 1 and “even” numbers of
both protons and neutrons.
Toxins
Leaching
U ptake by Absorption
Dead Plant
Healthy Plant
Fig. 1.26 Toxic cycle
1 Fundamentals of Chemistry for Environmental and Medical Professionals