As a consequence of various mining activities and intensive agricultural practices, vast areas around the world are contaminated with heavy metals to varying degrees. Due to their bioaccumulation, non-degradability, and biotoxicity, the accumulation of heavy metals in the food chain poses a great hazard to public health. This has caused great concern among governments and researchers. Past studies have shown that heavy metals are mobilized and transferred through the soil-crop system and that the bioactivity of heavy metals in soil is closely related to human health. However, the soil environment is complex, and the bioactivity of heavy metals is influenced by many factors. Our existing studies still lack an in-depth understanding of this translocation process.
Currently, health risk evaluation can help us to understand the risk level of heavy metals in soil. However, it is limited by the variability of soil environment and crop species in different regions, and there is a large uncertainty in the health risk evaluation of heavy metals. At the same time, the existing remediation measures may not be able to better address the complex integrated contaminated soil. As the safe use of agricultural land is crucial for ensuring food safety and public health, more research is needed to address this matter.
This Research Topic aims to invite submissions which cover the following sub-topics:
- Heavy metal risk evaluation of soil in contaminated areas and its impact on public health
- Potential strategies to mitigate heavy metal activity in soil to reduce public health risks
- Migration and translocation processes of heavy metals in soil-crop systems
- Dietary exposure and health risk related with presence of heavy metals in the food chain
As a consequence of various mining activities and intensive agricultural practices, vast areas around the world are contaminated with heavy metals to varying degrees. Due to their bioaccumulation, non-degradability, and biotoxicity, the accumulation of heavy metals in the food chain poses a great hazard to public health. This has caused great concern among governments and researchers. Past studies have shown that heavy metals are mobilized and transferred through the soil-crop system and that the bioactivity of heavy metals in soil is closely related to human health. However, the soil environment is complex, and the bioactivity of heavy metals is influenced by many factors. Our existing studies still lack an in-depth understanding of this translocation process.
Currently, health risk evaluation can help us to understand the risk level of heavy metals in soil. However, it is limited by the variability of soil environment and crop species in different regions, and there is a large uncertainty in the health risk evaluation of heavy metals. At the same time, the existing remediation measures may not be able to better address the complex integrated contaminated soil. As the safe use of agricultural land is crucial for ensuring food safety and public health, more research is needed to address this matter.
This Research Topic aims to invite submissions which cover the following sub-topics:
- Heavy metal risk evaluation of soil in contaminated areas and its impact on public health
- Potential strategies to mitigate heavy metal activity in soil to reduce public health risks
- Migration and translocation processes of heavy metals in soil-crop systems
- Dietary exposure and health risk related with presence of heavy metals in the food chain
