Toxic threat: Heavy metals taint one‑sixth of world’s farmland
Global agriculture is facing a significant challenge. Scientists are sounding the alarm about soil pollution and the infiltration of substances such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium into our food. According to the latest analyses, even 17% of the world's arable land contains heavy metals.
These findings highlight a serious environmental problem for global agriculture. Analyses conducted by scientists for the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and published in the scientific journal "Science" reveal that 598 million acres of soil worldwide are contaminated with toxic heavy metals, equivalent to one-sixth of the world's arable land. This alarming data has significant consequences for both the environment and public health.
They analyzed over 1000 regional studies from around the world
A research team, including Deyi Hou, Xiyue Jia, Liuwei Wang, Steve P. McGrath, Yong-Guan Zhu, Qing Hu, Fang-Jie Zhao, Michael S. Bank, David O’Connor, and Jerome Nriagu, has gathered data from over 1,000 regional studies around the globe, utilizing machine learning technology.
Dr. Liz Rylott, a senior lecturer in biology at the University of York, explained to The Guardian that the map shows metal pollution crosses national borders, indicating that addressing the issue will require international collaboration. She emphasized that the research exposes a troubling level of toxic metals infiltrating soil, food, and water, posing serious risks to both human health and the environment.
Which metals contaminate the soil?
Research indicates that about 14-17% of the world's arable land is polluted by metals, including arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, and lead. The levels of these substances exceed safety thresholds, threatening crop quality and public health. Dr. Liz Rylott from the University of York emphasizes that heavy metals can lead to skin changes, nerve and organ function limitations, and even cancers.
The sources of pollution include both natural factors and human activities. The effects of contamination are long-term, posing risks to ecosystems, reducing crop yields, and threatening water quality. Bioaccumulation in livestock further jeopardizes food safety.
The problem is expected to worsen
With the increasing demand for rare earth metals for green technology production, scientists warn of a worsening situation. From 900 million to 1.4 billion people worldwide live in high-risk areas for metal contamination. Cadmium is the most widespread toxic metal, especially in South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Dr. Rylott also underscores that heavy metal pollution transcends national borders and requires international cooperation. The effects primarily impact low and middle-income countries, worsening poverty issues. The impact of these contaminated crops entering global food networks is not clearly understood, she adds.
