Thermal power plant proximity alters Olive composition and induces cytotoxicity in human cells

Thermal power plants (TPPs) are essential for meeting increasing energy demands, but they also pose significant environmental and health risks. The Yatağan TPP in Türkiye is located near agricultural and residential areas, raising concerns about its impact on olive trees (Olea europaea L.), a key component of the Mediterranean diet. However, the effects of TPP proximity on olive composition and their potential cytotoxicity in human cells remain unknown. This study investigated the biochemical, elemental, and biological responses of olives grown at varying distances (close, middle, and distant) from the Yatağan TPP. Our findings showed that (1) phenolic and flavonoid profiles, as well as fundamental biochemical properties, varied significantly across locations, (2) essential nutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn) were reduced considerably in olives near the TPP, while toxic metals (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb) accumulated at concerning levels, (3) extracts from olives grown closest to the TPP exhibited cytotoxic effects on normal human cells derived from the breast, retina, vein, and bronchus, and (4) all olive extracts displayed the highest antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, regardless of their distance from the TPP. These results indicate that industrial emissions disrupt mineral nutrient uptake and elevate toxic metal accumulation in olive trees, potentially affecting food safety and human health. This study highlights the need for continuous environmental monitoring and regulatory measures to mitigate heavy metal contamination and ensure the sustainability of olive cultivation in regions surrounding TPPs.