Editorial for the virtual special issue (VSI) “metal and metalloid contamination in soil and vegetables”

Industrial growth and population expansion have led to increasing contamination of soils and plants by metals and metalloids. Toxic elements such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic persist in the environment, presenting significant risks to both ecosystems and human health. This editorial introduces the Virtual Special Issue, which compiles recent studies on the infiltration of these contaminants into soils and their bioaccumulation in plants. This special issue aims to explore the interaction between human activities and metal/metalloid contamination, highlight key bioaccumulation mechanisms, transfer dynamics, and assess the risks posed to human health by contaminated soils and plants. The contributions to this issue include a variety of methodologies, both in laboratory and field settings, such as soil contamination assessments, bioaccumulation studies in plant species, and risk estimations for human exposure. The compiled studies demonstrate significant contamination levels in soils and plants, especially in regions of Africa and Asia, where cadmium, mercury, zinc, and arsenic frequently exceed safety guidelines. These findings emphasize the urgent need for stricter contamination controls and further investigation in underrepresented regions. This issue provides crucial insights into metal and metalloid contamination in agricultural systems, offering evidence that can inform environmental policies and support the development of sustainable agricultural practices to mitigate contamination risks.