Mitigation of Arsenic Contamination through Biotechnological Approaches in Rice

Abstract

Arsenic poisoning negatively impacts plants, soil, water, and human health, posing a serious threat to sustainable agriculture. Pesticides, fertilizers, and industrial processes that contain arsenic are widely used, which leads to soil contamination and reduces soil fertility and productivity. The drinking of groundwater contaminated with arsenic affects around 300 million people globally. Prolonged exposure to arsenic has been linked to a number of health concerns, including cancer, developmental abnormalities, and skin sores. Concerns have been raised over the possible health effects of arsenic, which is mostly exposed to consumers through the consumption of contaminated food. Because arsenic-contaminated soil and irrigation water affect rice more than other crops, rice is frequently consumed with elevated levels of arsenic in it. In present review, the challenges related to arsenic toxicity and its possible solutions in rice have been discussed.