This contributed volume, the first in a set of two, explores the intricate relationship between trace elements, heavy metals, sustainability, and global health. It presents a detailed analysis of the occurrence, distribution, and impact of trace elements and heavy metals in both the natural environment and human health. It underscores how these elements, while essential in trace amounts, can become toxic at higher concentrations, contributing to pollution, bioaccumulation in ecosystems, and posing significant risks to human and animal health. The purpose of this book is to provide an integrated understanding of how trace elements and heavy metals intersect with the goals of sustainability and public health, offering a comprehensive resource for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners in environmental science, toxicology, public health, and sustainability fields. It highlights how these pollutants can hinder efforts to achieve global health and sustainability targets, such as the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on clean water, health, and sustainable production and consumption.

Dr. Mohammad Aneesul Mehmood is an Assistant Professor at Government Degree College Pulwama, Jammu & Kashmir, India, with over a decade of teaching and research experience in environmental pollution, freshwater ecology, toxic metals, and sustainable remediation. He is a First Rank holder in M.Sc. (Environmental Science) from Bangalore University and a recipient of prestigious honors including the Dr. Mumtaz Ahmad Khan Gold Medal, Sri Bhushan Memorial Gold Medal, INSPIRE Fellowship (JRF & SRF), and a Young Scientist Award. He holds a Ph.D. from SKUAST-K with a distinguished academic record. He has authored over 35 research papers and contributed to 20 internationally published books with publishers such as Springer Nature, Elsevier, CRC Press, Wiley and IGI Global. He also serves as a reviewer, editorial board member, and research supervisor.

Dr. Gowhar Hamid Dar is Senior Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Environmental Science at Government Degree College Kulgam. He has played a key role in improving NAAC accreditation grades at multiple institutions. He has extensive teaching experience in postgraduate and undergraduate environmental science programs. His research areas include Environmental Microbiology, Fish Pathology, Industrial Microbiology, and Limnology. He has over 80 research publications (h-index: 19; citations >1400) and has authored/edited more than 25 books with leading publishers including Springer, Elsevier, and CRC Press. He has supervised several Ph.D. and Master’s students and has been involved in funded research projects by JKST&IC and SERB-DST. He is also a member of academic bodies such as BOS and BORS, Cluster University Srinagar.

Dr. Rouf Ahmad Bhat holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences from SKUAST-K and is currently serving in the Department of School Education, Government of Jammu & Kashmir. He has over 9 years of teaching experience and has authored more than 55 research articles (h-index 34; citations >5700), along with 50 book chapters and over 50 books with international publishers. He has also worked as an environmental expert in World Bank-funded Flood Recovery Projects and contributed to ADB-supported development initiatives.