This contributed volume, the second in a set of two, explores the intricate relationship between trace elements, heavy metals, sustainability, and global health. It presents a detailed analysis of the occurrence, distribution, and impact of trace elements and heavy metals in both the natural environment and human health. It underscores how these elements, while essential in trace amounts, can become toxic at higher concentrations, contributing to pollution, bioaccumulation in ecosystems, and posing significant risks to human and animal health. The purpose of this book is to provide an integrated understanding of how trace elements and heavy metals intersect with the goals of sustainability and public health, offering a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in environmental science, toxicology, public health, and sustainability fields. It highlights how these pollutants can hinder efforts to achieve global health and sustainability targets, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on clean water, health, and sustainable production and consumption.
About the Author :
Dr. Mohammad Aneesul Mehmood is an Assistant Professor at Government Degree College Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, India, with over a decade of experience in teaching and research. His expertise includes environmental pollution, freshwater ecology, toxic metals, and sustainable remediation. He secured First Rank in M.Sc. Environmental Science from Bangalore University and is a recipient of several prestigious awards, including the Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad Khan Gold Medal and INSPIRE Fellowship (JRF & SRF). He holds a Ph.D. from SKUAST-K with a strong academic record. Dr. Mehmood has authored over 35 research papers and edited more than 20 books with leading publishers such as Springer Nature, Elsevier, and CRC Press. He also serves as a reviewer, editorial board member, and research mentor, contributing actively to environmental research and higher education.
Dr. Gowhar Hamid Dar is Senior Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Environmental Science at Government Degree College Kulgam, Jammu & Kashmir. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Kashmir, specializing in environmental microbiology and aquatic ecology. His research focuses on microbial diversity, fish pathology, pollution impacts, and limnology. Dr. Dar has over 80 research publications with significant citations and has contributed extensively to books and chapters with international publishers including Springer, Elsevier, and Wiley. He has led and collaborated on research projects funded by agencies such as SERB-DST and JKST&IC. He is actively involved in academic governance, serving on Boards of Studies and Research, and currently coordinates the IQAC at his institution. His contributions span teaching, research supervision, and institutional development.
Dr. Rouf Ahmad Bhat holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from SKUAST-K and is currently associated with the Department of School Education, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He has over nine years of teaching and research experience, with expertise in environmental management, pollution studies, and sustainability. Dr. Bhat has an extensive academic record, with more than 55 research articles, 50 book chapters, and over 50 books published with reputed international publishers. He has also contributed to major development initiatives, working as an environmental expert in World Bank-funded flood recovery projects and ADB-supported programs. His research contributions are widely cited, reflecting his strong impact in the field. He continues to engage in interdisciplinary environmental research and academic writing.
