Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The review examines the mechanisms and strategies that influence the transfer of cadmium (Cd) from contaminated soil to the grains of cereal crops like rice, maize, wheat, and barley. The paper delves into the molecular transport systems responsible for cadmium uptake, translocation, and distribution, including various transporters such as OsNramp5 and OsHMA3. It discusses the genetic and environmental factors affecting cadmium accumulation in different cereal crops, comparing genotypic variations and highlighting the need for molecular strategies to minimize cadmium transfer to grains. The review further outlines agronomic approaches like liming, biochar application, and flooding, alongside promising genetic modifications aimed at reducing Cd levels in food crops.
Who is affected?
This review impacts various stakeholders involved in agriculture, food safety, and public health. Farmers and agricultural producers in regions with cadmium-contaminated soils are at the forefront, especially those cultivating cereal crops such as rice, maize, wheat, and barley, which are known to accumulate cadmium. It also affects consumers, particularly populations who rely heavily on these cereal crops as staple foods, as high cadmium intake can lead to serious health risks, including kidney damage and cancer. Regulatory bodies, food safety agencies, and environmental organizations are also key players who must consider these findings when setting standards and policies for acceptable cadmium levels in crops and food products.
Most important findings
The review highlights several key findings regarding cadmium’s transport in cereal crops. It discusses how cadmium is taken up from the soil by specialized transporters like OsNramp5, which plays a crucial role in its uptake in rice, and OsHMA3, which helps sequester cadmium in vacuoles. The study also found significant variability in cadmium accumulation between different cereal species, with rice accumulating more cadmium than maize, wheat, and barley. The transporters involved in the root-to-shoot translocation of cadmium, such as OsHMA2 and OsLCT1, were also discussed. Genetic variation within cereal species was noted as a critical factor in reducing cadmium accumulation, and efforts have been made to breed crops with low cadmium content. Furthermore, agronomic practices like liming and biochar application were shown to decrease cadmium availability in soil and thus reduce its uptake by plants.
Key implications
The findings have several implications for industry, public health, and food safety standards. For the agriculture sector, understanding the molecular pathways that regulate cadmium accumulation in crops can lead to more effective breeding programs aimed at producing low-cadmium cultivars. Agronomic practices, including soil amendments and water management, can help reduce cadmium levels in crops, but they may not be enough in highly contaminated areas. Food safety agencies must set stringent guidelines for acceptable cadmium levels in food products, particularly those that come from crops with high cadmium accumulation, like rice. The review suggests that biotechnology and genetic engineering may provide long-term solutions, though these approaches will require careful regulation to ensure food safety and consumer acceptance.
Citation
MA, J. F., SHEN, R. F., & SHAO, J. F. (2021). Transport of cadmium from soil to grain in cereal crops: A review. Pedosphere, 31(1), 3-10. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1002-0160(20)60015-7
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
