Heavy Metal Contamination in Soil

 By: Sofia Hernandez

Image depicting soil being collected for testing

(source: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/safeplacesforece/success-stories/massachusetts-soil-contamination.html)

The article by Muhammad Basir-Cylo et al., 2021 looks at the contamination and pollution levels of heavy metals like copper (Cu), cadmium (Ca), and Mercury (Hg) in food crops and soil, with an emphasis on the effects these metals have on the environment and human health. The study set out to determine the concentrations of these harmful substances, identify their main sources--industrial processes and agricultural inputs--and evaluate how much is accumulated in food crops. In order to determine metal levels, the research used crop analysis and sampling techniques, and the results were compared to international safety guidelines. Significant contamination levels were found, which raised questions about food safety and the necessity for better regulations and monitoring to reduce the exposure of these contaminants in food crops. In addition to the health risks that these high levels of contaminants can cause, the elevated metal concentrations have an impact on soil quality, microbial activity, and general soil health. Heavy metals can interfere with nutrient intake and disturb physiological processes in plants, as well as affect plant development and production. Heavy metals have the potential to upset the natural equilibrium, influencing soil organisms and lowering biodiversity. The article emphasizes how difficult it can be to clean up heavy metal contamination and its potential long-term effects on the ecosystem. 

Ramlan, Muhammad Basir-Cyio, Mery Napitupulu, Inoue T, Alam Anshary, Mahfudz, Isrun,      M. Rusydi, Golar G, Sulbadana, et al. 2021. Pollution and contamination level of Cu, Cd,  and Hg heavy metals in soil and food crop. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology. 19(3):1153–1164. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-021- 03345-8.