Iron bio-fortification and heavy metal/(loid)s contamination in cereals: successes, issues, and challenges

Abstract

Biofortification of micronutrients, particularly of the iron (Fe) in cereals, is a viable, attractive, and sustainable strategy to cope with malnutrition as cereals are the major staple diets, particularly in developing countries. Increased concentrations of heavy metal/(loid)s (HMs); i.e. cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), arsenic (As) etc. in agricultural soils is an increasing and serious challenge, posing severe health problems through food chain contamination. Accumulation of HMs in plants is challenging and contrasts to the development of biofortification strategies to combat micronutrient deficiencies. Agricultural biofortification strategies aim to increase plant uptake of mineral nutrients from soil and the translocation/storage of micronutrients to edible portions of cereal grains. However, it also means that any strategy to increase the uptake of Fe in plants may result in increased uptake of other toxic HMs. Therefore, the issue of HM contamination in cereals needs further understanding. This review describes the advancements in Fe biofortification strategies and the conflicting issue of HM accumulation in the grain of cereals.

Analysis of Heavy Metal Impacts on Cereal Crop Growth and Development in Contaminated Soils

“…-chronic lead exposure in adults can result in cardiovascular issues, kidney damage, and other health complications In addition to impairing enzymatic activities, heavy metals in the soil can interfere with nutrient uptake, posing another challenge to cereal crop physiology. Essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and manganese are essential for various plant functions, and their uptake can be hindered in the presence of toxic heavy metals [86,87]. For instance, cadmium can compete with iron and zinc for uptake by plant roots, leading to nutrient imbalances and deficiencies.…”

Advances in FRET‐based biosensors from donor‐acceptor design to applications

“…[131] deficiency, one of the leading causes to the global burden of diseases, can lead to many human problems, such as anemia, decreased immunity and low blood pressure. [129,130] Therefore, in recent years, the development of fluorescent chemosensors has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting trace elements for health indication. Piao et al successfully developed a new fluorescent chemosensor for Fe 3+ analysis based on FRET system employing a dansyl moiety as donor and rhodamine as acceptor (Figure 14).…”

“…[ 128 ] Iron deficiency, one of the leading causes to the global burden of diseases, can lead to many human problems, such as anemia, decreased immunity and low blood pressure. [ 129,130 ] Therefore, in recent years, the development of fluorescent chemosensors has emerged as a powerful tool for detecting trace elements for health indication. Piao et al.…”

Synergism of plant microbe interactions for remediation of potentially toxic elements

“…The increased concentration of PTE, i.e. Cd, Pb, As, Hg that do not even act as micronutrients in agricultural soils, is an increasing and serious challenge, hence, this concept of indirect remediation requires further study (Sohail et al 2022). Bioremediation: Use of PGPMs.…”