Heavy Metals' Poisoning in Farm Animals

*Selina Acheampong*

### **Abstract**

Heavy metals are metallic elements with a high density compared to water that are found in trace amounts in a variety of matrices. Mercury poisoning can cause brain damage, skin damage, and increase risk of cancer development. Mercury-poisoned animals cannot produce meat, liver, or kidneys fit for human consumption. Heavy metals can cause cell dysfunction and toxicity by attaching to protein sites and displacing the original metals from their native binding sites. Reducing input/output ratio of heavy metals in animals should be the main objective of effective solutions. Electro-remediation involves running an electric current through liquid manure to cause metal ions to precipitate on an electrode.

**Keywords:** heavy metals, toxicity, farm animals, poisoning, bioremediation, animal health, animal feed
