Lecture series in Ecology and Environmental Research SS 2024

Arsenic biogeochemistry from paddy soil to rice grain

Rice is the staple food for about half of the world population and is also a major dietary source of inorganic arsenic (As), a class-one carcinogen for humans. Rice accumulates As much more efficiently than other cereal crops. This results from a combination of an elevated As bioavailability in anaerobic paddy soil and efficient uptake of As by rice roots. Paddy soils in many areas in Asia are contaminated with As due to mining activities and irrigation of As-laden groundwater, leading to phytotoxicity in rice crop and substantial yield losses. Understanding the As biogeochemistry in paddy environments and the mechanisms of As uptake and transport in rice plants is important for both food security and safety. In this talk, I will present recent research findings from my lab on aspects of the arsenic biogeochemistry in paddy soil, the mechanisms of uptake and translocation of As species in rice, and strategies to limit As accumulation in rice grain.

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Invited by Britta Planer-Friedrich & Stephan Clemens