International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment (ICHMET)

Aims

The International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment (ICHMET) is a global platform where research related to all aspects of metals and other elements in the environment is brought together, presented, and discussed amongst peers. Rather than focusing on a specific metal or environmental medium, ICHMET aims to provide a multidisciplinary platform for discussion and presentation of state-of-the-art research on all aspects related to the presence and impact of metals and metalloids in the environment to a broad international scientific community. While the initial scope was on these elements that widely became known as “heavy metals”, the scope also includes other elements that typically are present in lower concentrations, but may disrupt environmental functionality and health when present at relatively greater concentrations, either naturally or as a result of human activities related to industry, agriculture, transport, urbanization, mining, etc.
The ICHMET conference series covers the latest findings on behavior, cycling and pathways of metals and metalloids in the environment, processes of contamination and environmental impacts to ecosystems, environment and humans, and approaches for remediation. The conference also provides an opportunity to stay on top of the latest developments in approaches, tools, and methods to identify, assess and manage metals in various areas of application, including industry, environmental management, societal needs and policy.
The first ICHMET conference was held from 27 to 31 October 1975 in Toronto, Canada, and was the first major global conference on the, then, emerging topic of trace metals and other trace elements in the environment. Related research has largely expanded and broadened over time. Currently, there are several, more specialized meetings focused on single elements. The maintained interest for the two-yearly editions of the ICHMET over the last several decades indicates the continued need and importance of a broader conference on the topic.