Health Implications of Heavy Metal Accumulation in Food Crops: Pathways and Prevention

Abstract

Heavy metals contamination and food security are high priority issue of global concern. Heavy metals have threatened human health by becoming a part of food chain. Contaminated food disturbs human metabolomics resulting in morbidity, even mortality. Therefore, to attenuate heavy metals availability to crop plants, several remediation approaches are applied. This review focuses on heavy metals sources, associated risks and practices to reduce metals accumulation in crop plants. Both natural and anthropogenic sources of heavy metals have been discussed in detail with their geographical distribution resulting in heavy metals transfer in soil-food crop system. Their exposure in food chain results in kidney damage, cancer, immunological, neurological disorders, endocrine disruption and other health risks. In-depth discussion is offered further on molecular/physiological mechanisms of heavy metals translocation in food crops. Possible management strategies such as physicochemical, biological and eco-remediation, are discussed to regain soil-crop system sustainability. Finally, recent technological approaches including nanotechnology and recombinant-DNA technology, have been discussed to increase remediation possibilities.