Metallic elements with high atomic weights, e.g. mercury, chromium, cadmium, arsenic, and lead.
They can damage living things at low concentrations and tend to accumulate in the food chain.
Source:
US EPA
Drinking Water
Glossary
Bioaccumulation - Biomagnification - Elemental Arsenic - Elemental mercury - Methylmercury
Deutsch: Schwermetalle
Español: Metal Pesado
Français: Métal lourd
Nederlands: Zware metalen