Rice and heavy metals: A review of cadmium impact and potential remediation techniques

In recent decades, the menace of heavy metals to food security and human health has become a serious concern. Given its status as the primary provider of food globally, significant research has been done to ensure the safe cultivation of rice, particularly concerning the mitigation of heavy metal contamination. Therefore, this article focuses on the effects and poisoning mechanism of heavy metals, primarily cadmium, on rice. Here, we have discussed the absorption, translocation, and toxicity mechanism of cadmium in rice and the external factors, such as soil pH, organic matter, microorganisms, and climate change, associated with this pollution. It also discusses in detail the sources of heavy metal pollution and the countermeasures against their effects on rice, such as the use of nanoparticles, biochar, plant growth regulators, nutrient management, molecular approaches, tolerant genotypes, and associated genes/proteins. Lastly, a number of significant research prospects concerning heavy metals in rice fields were suggested for future investigation. This review serves as a crucial reference for addressing the issue of heavy metal contamination in paddy fields, ensuring the safe cultivation of rice, promoting environmentally friendly fish farming practices, and safeguarding future food security and human health.