Arsenic in rice—the challenges of agricultural sustainability and food security

摘要

Arsenic (As), which is toxic to plants and animals, is especially problematic to rice, since it is more soluble and more bioavailable under the reduced conditions of flooded-rice culture. Two major problems have emerged with As in rice: (i) the occurrence of As in grain and the related issues of food quality and health, and (ii) As toxicity to rice and its implications to crop yield, food security and agricultural sustainability.