Rare earth metallic elements in plants: assessing benefits, risks and mitigating strategies

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Plant Science
• Materials Science

Background:

• Rare earth elements (REEs) are crucial in agriculture, electronics, defense, and renewable energy.
• Increased REE application, particularly as plant growth promoters, leads to soil accumulation and pollution concerns.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review REE chemistry, plant uptake, distribution, and biphasic responses.
• To explore novel mitigation techniques for REE contamination in soil systems.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on REE physio-biochemical impacts on plants.
• Analysis of existing and novel strategies for REE toxicity mitigation.

Main Results:

• REEs exhibit biphasic effects on plant physio-biochemical attributes.
• Understanding phytohormonal and molecular responses is key to managing REE impacts.

Conclusions:

• Innovative strategies like recycling, substitution, and phytohormone-assisted mitigation are essential for managing REE utilization challenges.
• Further research is needed to explore the complex phytohormonal and molecular biphasic nature of REEs in plants.