Soil mercury contamination sources, impacts on crops and soil organisms, and mitigation: a review

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic element with distinctive characteristics and extensive applications in industries and agriculture. Nevertheless, inadequate management and unregulated discharge have resulted in its accumulation in the environment, especially in agricultural areas and farming landscapes. Here, we review the toxicity of Hg on soil organisms and crop quality, sources of Hg in soils, and assess available mitigation strategies. Our findings indicate that the contaminant emanates from multiple sources, with mining and industrial activities playing a significant role. The presence of Hg inhibits plant development, diminishes chlorophyll and protein content, and reduces crop yields. Additionally, Hg in the soil causes microorganisms to exhibit tissue damage, reduced biomass, mortality, and impaired reproduction. Phytoremediation, bioremediation, and chemical remediation were common methods employed to mitigate Hg. Chemical immobilization, particularly when integrated with phytoremediation and bioremediation, emerged as one of the most effective approaches for mitigating Hg across multiple studies.