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A Fifth of Global Farmland Contaminated by Toxic Metals, Study Reveals
Scientists warn of major risks to food security and public health as soil pollution spreads worldwide
Nearly a fifth of the world's agricultural land is contaminated by toxic metals, posing a serious threat to food security, public health, and ecosystems, according to a new global study published today in the journal Science. Researchers have mapped soil pollution at an unprecedented scale, finding that more than 14% - 17% of cropland is affected by dangerous levels of metals such as arsenic, lead, and cadmium.
The study, which used data from nearly 800,000 soil samples from around the world, identified a previously unrecognised high-risk zone stretching across southern Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. The contamination is linked to both natural geological processes and centuries of industrial activity, including mining and smelting.
Protecting our soils is as important as protecting our air and water. Without clean soil, we cannot produce safe food
With up to 1.4 billion people living in polluted regions, experts warn that toxic metals in soil can enter the food chain, harming biodiversity and exacerbating poverty. "Soil pollution is not just an environmental issue—it directly affects human health and global food security," said Rothamsted’s Professor Steve McGrath, who was part of the multi-institute research team led by Tsinghua University, School of Environment in Beijing, China.
chromium, copper, nickel, and lead; color code shows the maximum probability of exceedance among the seven metals.
The findings come at a time of growing concern over soil degradation, particularly as demand for critical metals increases due to the transition to green energy technologies like electric vehicle batteries and solar panels. The researchers call for urgent international action, including targeted funding for pollution monitoring and soil restoration, particularly in data-poor regions such as Africa and Russia.
The study also highlights the limitations of existing data, with many remote areas lacking sufficient soil sampling. While the researchers used machine learning to fill in gaps, they stress that more detailed, site-specific studies are needed to develop effective solutions.
With toxic metal pollution set to rise, the researchers urge policymakers to take immediate action. "Protecting our soils is as important as protecting our air and water. Without clean soil, we cannot produce safe food," added McGrath.
The study adds to growing global concern over the hidden dangers of soil pollution, reinforcing calls for stricter environmental regulations and sustainable land management practices.
Publication
Contacts
Prof. Steve McGrath
Soil and Plant Scientist
ABOUT ROTHAMSTED RESEARCH
Rothamsted Research is the longest-running agricultural research institute in the world. We work from gene to field with a proud history of ground-breaking
discoveries in areas as diverse as crop management, statistical interpretation and soil health. Our founders, in 1843, were the pioneers of modern
agriculture, and we are known for our imaginative science and our collaborative approach to developing innovative farm practice.
Through independent research, we make significant contributions to improving agri-food systems in the UK and internationally, with
economic impact estimated to exceed £3 bn in annual contribution to the UK economy. Our strength lies in our systems approach, which combines strategic research,
interdisciplinary teams and multiple partnerships.
Rothamsted is home to three unique National Bioscience Research Infrastructures which are open to researchers from all over the world:
The Long-Term Experiments,
Rothamsted Insect Survey and the
North Wyke Farm Platform.
We are strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), with additional support from other national and
international funding streams, and from industry. We are also supported by the Lawes Agricultural Trust (LAT).
ABOUT BBSRC
The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is part of UK Research and Innovation, a non-departmental public body funded by a grant-in-aid
from the UK government.
BBSRC invests to push back the frontiers of biology and deliver a healthy, prosperous and sustainable future. Through our investments, we build and support a vibrant,
dynamic and inclusive community which delivers ground-breaking discoveries and develops bio-based solutions that contribute to tackling global challenges,
such as sustainable food production, climate change, and healthy ageing.
As part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), we not only play a pivotal role in fostering connections that enable the UK’s world-class research and innovation system
to flourish – we also have a responsibility to enable the creation of a research culture that is diverse, resilient, and engaged.
BBSRC proudly forges interdisciplinary collaborations where excellent bioscience has a fundamental role. We pioneer approaches that enhance the equality, diversity,
and inclusion of talent by investing in people, infrastructure, technologies, and partnerships on a global scale.
ABOUT LAT
The Lawes Agricultural Trust, established in 1889 by Sir John Bennet Lawes, supports Rothamsted Research’s national and international agricultural science through the provision of land, facilities and funding. LAT, a charitable trust, owns the estates at Harpenden and Broom's Barn, including many of the buildings used by Rothamsted Research. LAT provides an annual research grant to the Director, accommodation for nearly 200 people, and support for fellowships for young scientists from developing countries. LAT also makes capital grants to help modernise facilities at Rothamsted, or invests in new buildings.