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Heterogeneity of cadmium concentration in soil as a source of uncertainty in plant uptake and its implications for human health risk assessment

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-07, 21:12 authored by Peter R Millis, Mike H Ramsey, Elizabeth A John
The major route of exposure of humans to the toxic element cadmium (Cd) is via the consumption of vegetables homegrown on Cd contaminated soil. It is well known that soil pH is one of the main soil properties controlling bioavailability of Cd in plants. This is acknowledged in human health risk assessment models that incorporate pH dependant concentration factors (CF=plant Cd/soil Cd). However, variation in spatial heterogeneity of nutrients and heavy metals in soil can have a profound effect on plant performance and uptake of nutrients and heavy metals.Here we show for lettuce (variety Crispino) that variation in plant-scale heterogeneity of Cd in soil affects bioavailability and hence CF by a factor of 2.Plant yield is also significantly affected. This has important implications for both human health risk assessment, as variation in CF affects predicted exposure, and for phytoremediation where an optimal combination of plant yield and contaminant accumulation is required.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Science of the Total Environment

ISSN

0048-9697

Publisher

Elsevier

Issue

1-3

Volume

326

Page range

49-53

Pages

5.0

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Notes

Millis was Ramseys graduate student. John collaborated, as ecologist in the same Department. First paper to investigate the implications of the (previously overlooked) heterogeneity of this toxic elements, on the risk to human health via the uptake of Cd from soil into food plants.

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2012-02-06

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