Biogeochemical Control Points for Mitigating Metal(loid) Risk in Rice under Global Change

Abstract

The uptake of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in rice is a global health concern. The variable biogeochemical processes that govern contamination risk, along with increased anthropogenic pressures, present significant obstacles to implementing mitigation strategies. This perspective highlights the biogeochemical processes governing the mobility and rice uptake of metal(loid)s across the soil-rice continuum and provides recent insights into mitigation strategies. An overview of anthropogenic stressors that may further exacerbate rice contamination, particularly climate change, is also provided. Finally, in the context of historical knowledge, we identify and discuss a future roadmap for research priorities and mitigation strategies, including (1) addressing variability in soil-rice systems that alters metal(loid) uptake dynamics, (2) investigating practical applications and mitigation strategies for farmers, and (3) expanding research into the myriad effects climate change may have on metal(loid) cycling.