Trace elements in soil-vegetables interface: Translocation, bioaccumulation, toxicity and amelioration - A review

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Agricultural Science

Background:

• Trace element contamination in soil and vegetables is a significant ecological issue, particularly in developing industrialized nations.
• These elements originate from natural and anthropogenic sources, entering the food chain and impacting human health.
• Understanding these pathways is critical for assessing and managing environmental risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review anthropogenic sources of trace elements.
• To describe the bioaccumulation, absorption, and transport of trace elements in soil-plant systems.
• To explore strategies for reducing health risks associated with consuming contaminated vegetables and identify research and policy gaps.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on trace element contamination in soil and vegetables.
• Analysis of factors influencing trace element accumulation and toxicity.
• Description of health risk assessment indices and mitigation strategies.

Main Results:

• Detailed discussion of anthropogenic sources and their contribution to environmental contamination.
• Explanation of the mechanisms of trace element bioaccumulation, absorption, and transport.
• Identification of key factors affecting trace element toxicity in plants and humans.

Conclusions:

• Proposes evaluating trace metal concentrations in irrigation water and soil before cultivation as a primary preventative measure.
• Highlights the need for further research and policy development to address soil and vegetable contamination.
• Emphasizes the link between environmental contamination and human health risks, necessitating integrated management approaches.