Impact and mitigation of lead, cadmium and micro/nano plastics in fragrant rice

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2023-10, Vol.334, p.122224-122224, Article 122224
• Main Authors: Imran, Muhammad, Farooq, Muhammad Ansar, Batool, Ayesha, Shafiq, Sarfraz, Junaid, Muhammad, Wang, Jun, Tang, Xiangru
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 2-AP biosynthesis; Fragrant rice; Heavy metals; Microplastics; Nanoplastics; OMICS remediation strategies; Toxicity
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122224

Heavy metals (HMs) and micro(nano)plastics (MNPs), represent a significant risk to global food supply as well as a potential risk to humankind. Over 50% of the worldwide population eat rice every day, and rice aroma is a significant qualitative trait that is highly valued by consumers and fetches premium prices in the global market. Despite the huge commercial importance of fragrant rice, limited studies were directed to investigate the influence of HMs and MNPs on yield related traits and 2-Acetyl-1-pyrroline (2-AP) compound, mainly responsible for aroma production in fragrant rice. In this review, we found that the interaction of HMs and MNPs in fragrant rice is complex and accumulation of HMs and MNPs was higher in root as compared to the grains. Nutrients and phytohormones mediated mitigation of HMs and MNPs were most effective sustainable strategies. In addition, monitoring the checkpoints of 2-AP biosynthesis and its interaction with HMs and MNPs is challenging. Finally, we explained the potential challenges that fragrant rice faces considering the continuous rise in environmental pollutants and discussed the future avenues of research to improve fragrant rice's yield and qualitative traits. [Display omitted] •Interaction of TMs and MNPs in fragrant rice is complex.•Fragrant rice accumulated higher content of TMs and MNPs in root and lower in grains.•Aroma (2-AP) reduction and fluctuation in grain quality traits are key impacts.•Phytohormones and Nutrient-mediated mitigation of TMs and MNPs were efficient and sustainable strategies.•Monitoring the checkpoints of 2-AP production/translocation and their interaction with TMs and MNPs is challenging.