A groundbreaking study estimates that up to 17% of the world’s cropland is contaminated by toxic heavy metals, posing severe risks to ecosystems and human health. Researchers analyzed over 1,400 regional studies and found that approximately 1.4 billion people live in high-risk areas, with a newly identified “metal-enriched corridor” in low-latitude Eurasia. The findings, published in the journal Science, underscore the urgent need for policy action to safeguard soil resources.
The study, led by researcher Deyi Hou, combined data from 1,493 regional studies and 796,084 soil samples to map the global distribution of toxic metals like cadmium, arsenic, nickel, and lead. Using machine learning, the team estimated that 242 million hectares of agricultural land exceed safety thresholds for at least one toxic metal. Cadmium was the most widespread contaminant, particularly in South and East Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
The research also uncovered a transcontinental zone of high metal concentration in low-latitude Eurasia, likely resulting from ancient mining, natural geological processes, and limited soil leaching. This contamination threatens crop yields, biodiversity, and food safety, as heavy metals can persist in soils for decades and accumulate in the food chain.
“We hope this data serves as a scientific alert for policymakers and farmers to take immediate measures to protect soil resources,” the authors emphasized.
The study highlights the escalating risk of soil pollution due to the increasing demand for critical metals. Without intervention, contamination could worsen, further endangering global food security and public health. The findings call for targeted policies and sustainable practices to mitigate this growing environmental crisis.
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