Arsenic accumulation in Rice Current status and future management options

Abstract

Naturally occurring As has been detected in many parts of the world, and populations of south-east Asian countries are adversely affected through drinking water and food. This has resulted in a significant change in food dietary intake with Rice now being a staple food for half of the world’s populations. As a consequence, consumption of inorganic As through rice poses significant health risks including cancers to humans. Paddy rice accumulates As from the soil and irrigation water and the ingestion of this As-contaminated rice acts as an exposure route to humans in any stage of life. Arsenic also has a negative effect on the growth, yield and quality of rice. Therefore, much more awareness is needed to understand the propagation of arsenic in the rice and restricting As loading in the food chain and overall, providing arsenic safe food to millions of people in the affected region regions.