Classification and regression tree (CART) for predicting cadmium (Cd) uptake by rice (Oryza sativa L.) and its application to derive soil Cd threshold based on field data

• Published in: Ecotoxicology and environmental safety 2024-10, Vol.285, p.117125, Article 117125
• Main Authors: Tian, Haoting, Zhang, Yan, Yang, Xiaohui, Zhang, Huan, Wang, Dengfeng, Wu, Pengbao, Yin, Aijing, Gao, Chao
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cadmium; Classification and regression tree; Field validation; Rice; Soil threshold
• ISSN: 0147-6513; 1090-2414; 1090-2414
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.117125

The entry of Cd into soil-rice systems is a growing concern as it can pose potential risks to public health. To derive regional soil Cd threshold, a total of 333 paired soil and rice samples was collected in Anhui Province, Eastern China. The results showed that the total soil Cd and soil Zn/Cd were the most significant variables contributing to Cd content in polished rice. The Chinese Soil Quality Standards might overestimate risk posed by Cd-contaminated soil for rice production in the mining area due to high Zn/Cd values of some mining-associated soils. Cd levels in polished rice can be predictable using stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) model. However, the derived soil Cd threshold based on the MLR model would be unrealistically high. The classification and regression tree method (CART) performed well in simulating Cd levels in polished rice and can be used to derive soil Cd threshold instead of MLR to minimize the uncertainty. [Display omitted] •The soil Cd and Zn/Cd were the most notable factors influencing Cd uptake by rice.•The derived soil Cd threshold of 3.04 mg/kg from the MLR model was unreasonably high.•The CART model is a useful tool to derive the regional soil Cd threshold.