Heavy Metal Accumulation in Crops: Status, Sources, Risks, and Management Strategies

Abstract

This chapter assesses the current state of research in the field of heavy metals contaminations in soils, crops, and vegetables based on literature review. Potential sources of these metals, associated health risks, and remediation measures, have also been examined. Studies on heavy metals sources showed that in addition to natural sources, levels of heavy metals in soils, accumulations in crops and vegetables have increased due to mining and other related activities, industrial activities, wastewater (WW) irrigation, and applications of agrochemicals. Based on reported literature, health risks due to dietary intake of crops and vegetables grown around mining areas showed higher risks compared to others indicating that farming practices in and around may not be safe. Irrigation with WW may be considered after proper treatment to decrease the impact of heavy metals accumulations in soils and subsequently in crops and vegetables. Several research studies have been done in the laboratory or pilot scale to remediate heavy metal contaminated soils using different techniques. However, studies on successful applications in the field are very limited. More detailed research studies are needed on combinations of different remediation techniques to remove heavy metals from the soils. In addition, monitoring of metals in food crops should be performed regularly to ensure the quality of food items and to take up adequate mitigation measures.