Occurrence and trophodynamics of rare earth elements and co-existing heavy metals in a terrestrial food web from REE mining areas in South China

Summary

This observational study documents the occurrence and movement of rare earth elements and associated heavy metals through a terrestrial food web in REE mining areas of South China. The research characterises bioaccumulation and trophodynamic processes, providing empirical data on contaminant transfer across trophic levels in a mining-impacted ecosystem. The findings contribute to understanding of food chain contamination risks in regions with intensive REE extraction.

UK applicability

Direct applicability to UK agriculture is limited, as REE mining is not a significant UK industry. However, the methodological approach and trophodynamic insights may inform UK environmental monitoring frameworks for other diffuse soil contaminants, and the work is relevant to UK food security and import sourcing policies given global reliance on Chinese REEs.

Key measures

Concentrations of rare earth elements and heavy metals in soil, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates; bioaccumulation factors; trophic transfer patterns

Outcomes reported

The study examined the occurrence, distribution, and trophodynamic behaviour of rare earth elements (REEs) and co-occurring heavy metals across a terrestrial food web in REE mining regions of South China. As suggested by the title, the research quantified concentrations and bioaccumulation patterns in organisms spanning multiple trophic levels.

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