Abstract:Soil heavy metal contamination concerns both animal and human health, and has been a worldwide problem in recent years. Due to the sensitivity of some soil microorganisms to heavy metal contamination, they have been utilised as biomarkers for the adverse effects of heavy metal contamination in soil. This article reviews the development of heavy metals toxicity to the organisms in the soil in particular the effects of the soil heavy metal pollution on plants, animals and microorganisms in the biogeocenose. The dominant environmental parameters accounting for heavy metals toxicities are summarized, such as: elemental form and bioavailability of heavy metals, pH, organic content of soil, plant species, the activity of animals and microorganisms. Commonly employed methods and predictive toxicity tools such as the Free Ion Activity, Biotic Ligand and Gill Surface Interaction Models are discussed. The article concludes with recommendations for future study of heavy metals and soil health.