The hazards of metal exposure mediated by crops to human health from perspective of environmental health and control strategies
- 1School of Life Sciences, Qilu Normal University, Jinan 250200, China
- 2The College of Life and Geographic Sciences, Kashi University, Kashi 844000, China
- 3School of Municipal and Environmental Engineering, Shandong Jianzhu University, Jinan 250101, China
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification, poses a significant threat to ecosystem security and human health. This review examines soil-to-crop-to-human transfer pathways of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr), covering their environmental behavior, crop accumulation, and toxicological impacts (neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity). We discuss plant molecular stress responses (oxidative damage, enzyme disruption, and genetic alteration) and synthesize integrated control strategies including source control, soil remediation, agronomic management, and medical interventions. Emerging technologies (nanomaterials, phytoremediation, AI monitoring) are highlighted. We emphasize the importance of a holistic "source-process-risk-population" approach to effectively reduce heavy metal exposure via crops. This work aims to support environmental improvement, sustainable agriculture, and public health protection, contributing to national and global goals for food safety and human well-being.
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BibTeX
@article{yang2026hazards,
title = {{The hazards of metal exposure mediated by crops to human health from perspective of environmental health and control strategies}},
author = {Huanhuan Yang and Fulan Zhang and Jiacun Zhou and Jiyao Zhu and Dayong Cui and Xu Zhang and Zhibin Zhang},
journal = {iScience},
year = {2026},
month = jun,
doi = {10.1016/j.isci.2026.116147},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.116147},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - The hazards of metal exposure mediated by crops to human health from perspective of environmental health and control strategies
AU - Huanhuan Yang
AU - Fulan Zhang
AU - Jiacun Zhou
AU - Jiyao Zhu
AU - Dayong Cui
AU - Xu Zhang
AU - Zhibin Zhang
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/06/01
JO - iScience
DO - 10.1016/j.isci.2026.116147
UR - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2026.116147
AB - Heavy metal pollution, driven by rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural intensification, poses a significant threat to ecosystem security and human health. This review examines soil-to-crop-to-human transfer pathways of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), and chromium (Cr), covering their environmental behavior, crop accumulation, and toxicological impacts (neurotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and carcinogenicity). We discuss plant molecular stress responses (oxidative damage, enzyme disruption, and genetic alteration) and synthesize integrated control strategies including source control, soil remediation, agronomic management, and medical interventions. Emerging technologies (nanomaterials, phytoremediation, AI monitoring) are highlighted. We emphasize the importance of a holistic "source-process-risk-population" approach to effectively reduce heavy metal exposure via crops. This work aims to support environmental improvement, sustainable agriculture, and public health protection, contributing to national and global goals for food safety and human well-being.
SN - 2589-0042
ER -