Heavy Metals and Public Health: A Scoping Review of Biochemical Mechanisms of Distribution and Bioaccumulation in humans,fish and shellfish

Natalia Carolina Bonilla Lizarazo; Gina Paola  Polo Infante; Vanesa Margarita Ramírez Bello

doi:10.22490/25394088.11747

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2026): Ingeniería y retos

Published 2026-09-16

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Review article

Heavy Metals and Public Health: A Scoping Review of Biochemical Mechanisms of Distribution and Bioaccumulation in humans,fish and shellfish

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22490/25394088.11747

Natalia Carolina Bonilla Lizarazo Instituto de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Gina Paola Polo Infante Instituto de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Vanesa Margarita Ramírez Bello Instituto de Salud Pública, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana

Pre-print (Spanish)

Abstract
References

Background: Heavy metals have long been used in human activities, leading to increasing contamination and adverse effects on human, animal, and ecosystem health. Fish and shellfish consumption is a major source of human exposure to these metals. However, the mechanisms by which heavy metals are distributed and bioaccumulated in organisms remain unclear.

Objectives: This study conducts a scoping review of scientific literature on the mechanisms of distribution and bioaccumulation of mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu) in humans, fish, and shellfish.

Design: Following PRISMA-ScR guidelines, PubMed and EMBASE were searched for articles published from January 2020 to December 2024. Eligible studies included observational research, reviews, and clinical trials in English, Spanish, or Portuguese that described the biochemical mechanisms of distribution and/or bioaccumulation of the selected metals in humans, fish and shellfish.

Results: Of 7789 articles identified, 20 met the inclusion criteria. Four addressed general mechanisms for all metals; 13 focused on Hg, 9 on Pb, 5 on Zn, and 4 on Cu, with some covering multiple metals. A total of 80% (n = 16) of the studies focused on humans, and 20% (n = 4) on fish and/or shellfish.

Conclusions: This review highlights growing concern over heavy metal bioaccumulation and distribution in humans, fish, and shellfish. It emphasizes the need for integrative research that combines molecular and physiological insights with environmental and social factors to enhance surveillance and inform protective strategies for vulnerable populations.

keywords: heavy metals , fish, human, bioaccumulation, public health

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Bonilla Lizarazo, N. C., Polo Infante, G. P. ., & Ramírez Bello, V. M. (2026). Heavy Metals and Public Health: A Scoping Review of Biochemical Mechanisms of Distribution and Bioaccumulation in humans,fish and shellfish. Publicaciones E Investigación, 20(2). https://doi.org/10.22490/25394088.11747

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