Heavy Metal Pollution in Freshwater Systems: Current Detection Technologies and Sustainable Remediation Solutions

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in freshwater systems becomes a global problem. Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, due to their persistence and high toxicity, can persist in the environment for a long time and cause bioaccumulation through the food chain, posing a serious threat to human health and aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, developing and applying accurate heavy metal detection technologies and effective pollution remediation methods are significant for ensuring the stability of aquatic ecosystems and human health. This research introduces three detection technologies; atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). And evaluates two types of remediation methods, physicochemical techniques such as precipitation, ion exchange, adsorption, and membrane filtration and advanced approaches including nanomaterials, photocatalysis, and hybrid systems. This study emphasizes the combination of detection and remediation. Comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different methods, assessing their applicability and limitations, providing a scientific basis for achieving efficient and sustainable freshwater resource management.