Pharmacology and Toxicology

Biography

Biography: Manzar Alam

Abstract

The heavy metals are defined as any metallic chemical element that has a comparatively high density at low concentration; it is toxic or poisonous to all forms of life including bacteria. Hospital wastewater discloses the presence of molecules chlorinated in higher concentrations and in a punctual way the presence of heavy metals. Various studies have suggested that hospital wastewater receive inputs of heavy metals from the higher use of radionuclides, pharmaceuticals and antimicrobial solvents. Although some of these heavy metals are essential plant micronutrients and are required or are advantageous for plants and microbial development and growth (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Mo, Co). The elevated amount and long-term presence of heavy metals, in environment are generally matter of due concern to society as they may adversely affect the quality of soil, water and concerned microbial population. Gram negative bacteria under heavy-metal stress are commonly resistant to their ions and the resistances can often be transferred by conjugation. The higher concentrations of heavy-metal ions form non specific complex compounds in the cell, which ultimately leads to toxic effects. Some heavy-metal cations, e.g. Hg²⁺ , Cd²⁺ and Ag²⁺, form strong toxic complexes, which makes them too dangerous for any physiological function. Therefore, the aim of this study is to reveal the facts as well as positive and negative interaction with gram negative bacteria and indicating the risk of environmental pollution and spread of heavy metal tolerance which may promote the development of resistance to drug among the pathogens.