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Influence of Environmental Contaminants as Mutagens in the Ecosystem
Summary
This research review summarizes how chemicals in our environment—like heavy metals, plastics, and pesticides—can damage our DNA and cause harmful changes to our genes. These environmental toxins can lead to cancer, affect how our bodies work, and may even harm future generations by damaging reproductive cells. The study highlights why we need better environmental protection and cleaner practices to protect human health from these everyday chemical exposures.
Environmental mutagens are chemicals that are present in the environment and have the ability to cause a broad variety of mutations. They may be physical or chemical in nature. These mutagens have a variety of effects on genetics, biochemistry, and physiology in both humans and animals. Above all, through their germ cells, they could harm future generations’ genetic makeup. How germinal mutations impact an individual’s health depends on their type, frequency, and the mechanisms that keep particular mutations within a population. Physical agents such as UV, X, and gamma rays; chemicals such as bisphenol A (BPA), dimethyl sulfate (DMS), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); and heavy metals such as arsenic (Ar), lead (Pb), aluminum (Al), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) are examples of common environmental mutagens. Numerous illnesses that result from these mutagens, such as carcinogenesis, oxidative stress, chromosomal abnormalities, and DNA damage, might have a negative impact on an individual’s health. An extensive overview of environmental contaminants and their frequency will be given in the chapter, which will primarily address the significance of comprehending their impact on ecosystems. The following categories of environmental pollutants will also be covered in this chapter: chemical pollutants such as pesticides and heavy metals, emerging contaminants such as medicines and microplastics, and nanomaterials and their consequences. The mechanisms of mutagenesis and the importance of protecting the environment and public health from its impacts will be covered in this chapter. The direct damage that contaminants cause to DNA, as well as the unintended effects they have on signaling pathways and gene expression, will be the main topics of this chapter. Further covered will be the role of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, the ecotoxicological effects, and an examination of the effects on each creature (reproduction, behavior, health). It is evident that environmental health must be safeguarded and restored right away, and that the only ways to accomplish this are by putting sustainable practices into place, strengthening governance, and increasing capacity building.