A critical review on effects, tolerance mechanisms and management of cadmium in vegetables

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 182; pp. 90 - 105
• Main Authors: Rizwan, Muhammad, Ali, Shafaqat, Adrees, Muhammad, Ibrahim, Muhammad, Tsang, Daniel C.W., Zia-ur-Rehman, Muhammad, Zahir, Zahir Ahmad, Rinklebe, Jörg, Tack, Filip M.G., Ok, Yong Sik
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2017
• Subjects: Cadmium - pharmacokinetics; Cadmium - toxicity; Environmental Pollution - prevention & control; Heavy metals; Humans; Mineral nutrition; Oxidative Stress - drug effects; Phytomanagement; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - pharmacokinetics; Soil remediation; Vegetables - metabolism; Soil remediation; Mineral nutrition; Heavy metals; Phytomanagement
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.05.013

Cadmium (Cd) accumulation in vegetables is an important environmental issue that threatens human health globally. Understanding the response of vegetables to Cd stress and applying management strategies may help to reduce the Cd uptake by vegetables. The aim of the present review is to summarize the knowledge concerning the uptake and toxic effects of Cd in vegetables and the different management strategies to combat Cd stress in vegetables. Leafy vegetables grown in Cd contaminated soils potentially accumulate higher concentrations of Cd, posing a threat to food commodities. The Cd toxicity decreases seed germination, growth, biomass and quality of vegetables. This reduces the photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and alteration in mineral nutrition. Toxicity of Cd toxicity also interferes with vegetable biochemistry causing oxidative stress and resulting in decreased antioxidant enzyme activities. Several management options have been employed for the reduction of Cd uptake and toxicity in vegetables. The exogenous application of plant growth regulators, proper mineral nutrition, and the use of organic and inorganic amendments might be useful for reducing Cd toxicity in vegetables. The use of low Cd accumulating vegetable cultivars in conjunction with insolubilizing amendments and proper agricultural practices might be a useful technique for reducing Cd exposure in the food chain. •Cd-contaminated vegetables pose major food safety and public health concerns worldwide.•Cd toxicity decreased growth, yield and quality of vegetables.•Growing low-Cd vegetables can greatly reduce dietary exposure of Cd.•Agricultural practices with amendments can be used to reduce Cd in vegetables.