 Article highlights in addition to common heavy metal pollution sources, research has shown heavy metals to be consumed from glass surfaces over prolonged use. The use of plants and microorganisms are cost-effective and eco-friendly in the bio-accumulation of heavy metals. Bio-accumulation in combination with techniques like phytostabilization and phyto-degradation achieves better heavy metal removal. This article was authored by Nabweez Darlington-Nagy, Helen Onika, Toggy Myri, and others.