Heavy metals in the environment pose significant risks due to their toxicity, persistence, and potential for bioaccumulation. This review focuses on metals of environmental concern, including Pb, Cd, As, Hg, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Cu, examining their classification as essential and non-essential elements and highlighting their toxicological impacts within regulatory thresholds. The environmental pathways of these metals are analyzed, including their primary sources, entry pathways, transport mechanisms, geochemical behaviour, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and persistence in soil and water systems. Factors influencing their distribution and transformation, such as soil properties, water chemistry, climate variability, and anthropogenic activities, are also addressed. Advanced analytical techniques, including ICP-MS, AAS, portable XRF, speciation analysis, and AI/ML-enabled sensors, are evaluated for accurate detection and monitoring of heavy metal contamination. The review further assesses remediation strategies, encompassing physical, chemical, biological, and integrated approaches, as well as emerging technologies such as nanomaterials, engineered biochars, and multifunctional sorbents for enhanced removal efficiency. Risk assessment and management frameworks are discussed to address human and ecological exposure, highlighting the importance of site-specific, evidence-based interventions. The objectives of this review are to synthesize current knowledge on the occurrence, behaviour, and impacts of heavy metals; critically evaluate detection and remediation methods; examine management practices; and identify knowledge gaps to support sustainable environmental solutions and policy development. The synthesis provides a comprehensive understanding of heavy metal contamination and offers guidance for effective monitoring, remediation, and risk-informed management in soil and water systems.
