Contaminants of emerging concern in agricultural soils: Current understanding, overlooked issues, and future priorities

Societal Impact Statement

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in agriculture represent a growing global challenge for food safety and public health. In this review, we synthesized evidence on how substances such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) enter soils, accumulate in crops, and affect ecological and human health. We found that CECs pose complex risks, including antimicrobial resistance and sublethal impacts on plant and soil systems, while key knowledge gaps persist. These findings underscore the urgent need for coordinated regulation and sustainable practices to reduce contamination at its source. Closing these gaps will enable resilient food systems and equitable environmental health outcomes worldwide.

Summary

Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) in agricultural systems pose complex and evolving risks to environmental and human health. These substances, including pharmaceuticals, microplastics, engineered nanomaterials, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), enter agricultural soils through diverse pathways such as wastewater irrigation, biosolid, and manure application, and the use of agro-plastics. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the environmental fate, plant uptake mechanisms, and ecological and health impacts of CECs within the soil–plant continuum. Overlooked issues such as co-contaminant interactions, environmentally relevant exposure scenarios, and sublethal effects on plant physiology and soil health are summarized. The paper also explores the implications of CEC accumulation for food safety and antimicrobial resistance. In response to these challenges, we outline future priorities, including improved regulatory frameworks, advanced analytical and modelling tools, and the integration of green chemistry and sustainable production practices to reduce CEC release at source. Research to date has demonstrated that CECs may pose risks to both human and ecosystem health within agricultural systems. As we seek to harness the benefits of resources like biosolids and treated wastewater, we must now establish a strong foundation for resilient and sustainable agriculture, which is driven by coordinated regulation, informed policy, and targeted research to close critical knowledge gaps.