Global and regional patterns of soil metal(loid) mobility and associated risks
Central South University · Southern University of Science and Technology · +3 more institutions
Abstract
Soil contamination by metals and metalloids (metal[loid]s) is a global issue with significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and food security. Accurate risk assessment depends on understanding metal(loid) mobility, which dictates bioavailability and environmental impact. Here we show a theory-guided machine learning model that predicts soil metal(loid) fractionation across the globe. Our model identifies total metal(loid) content and soil organic carbon as primary drivers of metal(loid) mobility. We find that 37% of the world’s land is at medium-to-high mobilization risk, with hotspots in Russia, Chile, Canada, and Namibia. Our analysis indicates that global efforts to enhance soil carbon sequestration…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 43.95
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 73
Authors
12Topics & keywords
- Environmental science
- Environmental chemistry
- Earth science
- Geology
- Chemistry