Essential Insights for Effective Environmental Management and Human Well-being: Strategies for Remediation in Soil-Plant- Environment Systems

Abstract

This concise review addresses the growing concerns surrounding cadmium, a toxic heavy metal with widespread presence and adverse effects on human health and the environment. It explores various aspects of cadmium, encompassing its natural abundance, uses, and global contamination of environmental sites. The investigation includes examining maximum allowable levels and offering insights into regulatory frameworks. The review further explores cadmium's complex speciation and bioavailability in soil, considering factors such as redox potential, pH, organic matter, and microorganisms. Additionally, it discusses the impacts of cadmium on plant growth, development, and nutrition, emphasizing defense mechanisms like hyperaccumulation. The comprehensive overview extends to diverse remediation technologies, critically evaluating their efficacy in mitigating cadmium pollution. This holistic exploration aims to provide essential insights for effective environmental management and human well-being.