Arsenic toxicity in rice (Oryza sativa L.) and implications of its microbial remediation approach

What is it about?

The review article “Arsenic Toxicity in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) and Implications of Its Microbial Remediation Approach” discusses the serious problem of arsenic contamination in rice and its impact on agriculture, food safety, and human health. Arsenic is a highly toxic and carcinogenic metalloid that enters agricultural soils through natural geological processes as well as human activities, such as the use of contaminated groundwater for irrigation. Since rice is commonly cultivated under flooded conditions, it absorbs more arsenic than most other cereal crops, making it one of the major dietary sources of arsenic exposure, especially in countries such as India, Bangladesh, and China. The article explains how arsenic is absorbed by rice roots, transported to different plant parts, and eventually accumulates in the edible grains. High arsenic levels interfere with plant metabolism by disrupting photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, protein synthesis, and antioxidant defense systems. As a result, rice plants exhibit reduced growth, lower grain yield, oxidative stress, and impaired physiological functions. The review also highlights the health risks associated with long-term consumption of arsenic-contaminated rice, including skin disorders, organ damage, and an increased risk of cancers affecting the skin, lungs, bladder, and other organs. A major focus of the review is the use of microbial remediation as an eco-friendly strategy to reduce arsenic toxicity. The authors describe how arsenic-resistant bacteria and plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) can transform arsenic into less toxic forms, reduce its mobility and bioavailability, and improve plant growth under contaminated conditions. These beneficial microorganisms also enhance nutrient availability, stimulate plant defense mechanisms, and reduce arsenic accumulation in rice grains. Overall, the review concludes that integrating microbial remediation with sustainable agricultural practices offers a promising and environmentally safe approach to minimizing arsenic contamination in rice and protecting both crop productivity and public health.

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Photo by Zhao Yangjun on Unsplash

Photo by Zhao Yangjun on Unsplash