Lead Poisoning in Bangkok-Suburb Ecosystem

Abstract

Lead (Pb) is present in the soil naturally at low concentrations, however it is quite often being introduced into the environment in large quantities by industry and through fumes from leaded petrol used in vehicles. Like other toxic heavy metals, presence of a small quantity of Pb in the ecosystem can lead to deterioration of natural resources and damage of animals and plants including other life supports. Because of this, more understanding of lead in terms of accumularion, transformation and distribution in the environment (air, water, soil and food) is required in order to control or minimized its toxictty in the ecosvstem such as urban-industrial areas like Bangkok and the suburb. This paper will also provide a typical level of lead in water, soil and food found in Thailand in comparison with other countries.