Reduction of heavy metals transfer into food

Contamination of the natural environment by heavy metals is the main global ecological problem. Heavy metals present in the soil of agriculture areas could be transfered into crops and, subsequently, to the food chain. Thus, methods for determination and speciation of heavy metals are still among the top interests of scientists working on treatment of waters, soils and sediments, transport of metals in the environment, and their influence on animals and plants. Apart from methods destined for monitoring inorganic harmful substances in the environment, the methods for their elimination are even more desirable. The screening of possibilities of elimination or at least reduction of transfer of heavy metals from the environment to food products is the main object of this review. Among them, the most promising are organic and inorganic amendments and special plants that remove heavy metals from soils.