Heavy Metals and Pesticides Toxicity in Agricultural Soil and Plants: Ecological Risks and Human Health Implications

Abstract

Environmental problems have always received immense attention from scientists. Toxicants pollution is a critical environmental concern that has posed serious threats to human health and agricultural production. Heavy metals and pesticides are top of the list of environmental toxicants endangering nature. This review focuses on the toxic effect of heavy metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)) and pesticides (insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides) adversely influencing the agricultural ecosystem (plant and soil) and human health. Furthermore, heavy metals accumulation and pesticide residues in soils and plants have been discussed in detail. In addition, the characteristics of contaminated soil and plant physiological parameters have been reviewed. Moreover, human diseases caused by exposure to heavy metals and pesticides were also reported. The bioaccumulation, mechanism of action, and transmission pathways of both heavy metals and pesticides are emphasized. In addition, the bioavailability in soil and plant uptake of these contaminants has also been considered. Meanwhile, the synergistic and antagonistic interactions between heavy metals and pesticides and their combined toxic effects have been discussed. Previous relevant studies are included to cover all aspects of this review. The information in this review provides deep insights into the understanding of environmental toxicants and their hazardous effects.

Sewage Sludge as a Tool in Limiting the Content of Trace Elements in Avena sativa L. on the Soil Polluted with Diesel Oil

“…Soil pollution with petroleum products creates a high threat to society and the environment [ 74 ] and also reduces the agricultural productivity of soils [ 75 ]. Therefore, research contributing to the understanding of changes occurring in real time in such an ecosystem is very valuable.…”

Bacteriophage-Mediated Control of Phytopathogenic Xanthomonads: A Promising Green Solution for the Future

“…Copper compounds and antibiotics are the only antibacterial choices to control phytopathogenic bacteria that are readily available in a large part of the world [ 2 , 3 ]. Copper presents several risks and unexpected consequences in agricultural systems and for the environment, e.g., phytotoxicity, negative effects on pollinating insects and other beneficial organisms, bioaccumulation in soil and surface water and reduction of microbial biodiversity [ 4 , 5 , 6 ]. Antibiotics, such as mainly streptomycin, kasugamycin and tetracyclines, as active substances in agriculture may also pose unacceptable risks when used as pesticides [ 3 ].…”

An assessment of heavy metal exposure risk associated with consumption of cabbage and carrot grown in a tropical Savannah region

“…Even though some heavy metals such as manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni), are required as micronutrients for living organisms (Alengebawy et al, 2021), they may induce noxious effects when their concentrations are above their permissible limits as per WHO standards (Shahid et al, 2015). Other non-essential metals induce severe toxicity to living organisms even at low concentrations, such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) (Harguinteguy et al, 2016;Shahid et al, 2015).…”