Comprehensive review of nickel biogeochemistry, bioavailability, and health risks in the environment

Abstract

Elevated nickel (Ni) content in soils and water cause a potential threat to food safety and human health. Owing to its numerous uses from common domestic items to industrial usage, it is vital to assess its bioavailability and speciation in the natural environment. In this review, the biogeochemical cycling of Ni in the natural environment and numerous aspects like dissolution, reducing‐oxidizing condition, pH, precipitation, and biological transformations have been briefly discussed. Moreover, health risks associated with Ni have been assessed based on the datasets (soil samples from diverse countries) collected from the literature, and it exerts various health perils in humans for example punctures of the nasal septum, prolonged rhinitis, and contact dermatitis instigated by the absorption of Ni‐metal dust, Ni alloys, and Ni salts on injured skin etc. The carcinogenic and non‐carcinogenic risks inferences showed that dermal interaction is the foremost method of revelation, and children are more susceptible than adults. The findings of this study will be significant for scientists, environmentalists, and policymakers in making strategic strategies for environmental protection and strategic human health management to reduce Ni pollution in the natural environment.