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Heavy metals are elements with metallic properties and an atomic mass of> 20. The most common contaminants of heavy metal are Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, and As. Heavy metal contamination to soil and the environment has been accelerated in modern society due to industrialization, rapidly expanded world population, and intensified agriculture. Accumulation of heavy metals often results in soil/water degradation and ecosystem malfunction. Moreover, heavy metals enter food chains from polluted soil, water and air, and consequently cause food contamination, thus posing a threat to human and animal health. Globally, more than 10 million sites of soil pollution have been reported, with> 50% of the sites contaminated with heavy metals and/or metalloids (such as arsenic)(Table 1). Heavy metal pollution has a combined worldwide economic impact estimated to be in excess of US $10 billion per year.