Species sensitivity distribution of rare earth elements: A full overview
Luisa Albarano1, Marco Guida2, Franca Tommasi3
1Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, Via Vicinale Cupa Cintia 26, 80126 Naples, Italy.
The Science of the Total Environment
|December 21, 2024
Summary
Rare earth elements (REEs) are vital for technology but pose environmental risks. A new study used species sensitivity distribution to assess REE ecotoxicity, finding arthropods and echinoderms most sensitive, while vertebrates are more tolerant.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Rare earth elements (REEs) are critical for modern technologies.
- REEs are increasingly recognized as environmental contaminants due to widespread industrial, agricultural, and medical applications.
- Understanding REE ecotoxicity is crucial for environmental risk assessment and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To apply the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach to rare earth elements (REEs) for the first time.
- To compare the sensitivity of different aquatic species to various REEs.
- To derive hazardous concentrations (HC) for REEs to inform environmental safety thresholds.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a comprehensive literature review of 58 papers on REE toxicity.
- Utilized the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) approach.
- Constructed SSD curves using a log-logistic model to determine hazardous concentrations (HC5 and HC50).
Main Results:
- Arthropods (e.g., Daphnia magna) and echinoderms (e.g., Sphaerechinus granularis) showed high sensitivity to certain REEs (Ce, Er, Lu).
- Vertebrates, such as Oncorhynchus mykiss, demonstrated greater tolerance to REE exposure.
- A hazard prioritization list based on HC5 values was established, with Dy and Ce posing the highest risks at low concentrations.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist in REE ecotoxicity data, especially for heavy REEs (HREEs).
- Further research is needed on the long-term, one-health impacts of REEs.
- Establishing safe exposure thresholds is essential for mitigating REE contamination and protecting ecosystems and human health.
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