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Groundwater contamination by toxic metals and organic compounds is a serious environmental and public health problem (Crini 39). Many of the common contaminants in wastewater are known to be toxic or carcinogenic.
Common groundwater contaminants include heavy metal ions, aromatic compounds, and dyes. Additionally, heavy metals are not biodegradable and tend to bioaccumulate, leading to various diseases and disorders. Mercury and cadmium are among the most toxic metals and are very damaging to the environment. Additionally, chromium (VI) is a wide-spectrum toxin, as it is toxic to bacteria, plants, animals, and humans.
Organic compounds in groundwater are ...