human-health-risk
Human health risk assessment in plant science examines how plants, their compounds, or cultivation practices may pose hazards to human wellbeing—whether through toxic metabolites, allergens, or contamination. Understanding these risks is essential for safely harnessing medicinal and edible plants, ensuring that beneficial phytochemicals are distinguished from harmful ones and that plant-derived products meet safety standards for human use.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-29
Researchers tested the sacred lotus plant growing in a South Indian lake for heavy metal contamination and found it absorbs pollutants from the water and sediment. The study evaluated both the health risks to people who use the lake and the lotus plant's potential to help clean up the contamination naturally.
Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) growing in Vellayani Lake showed measurable uptake of heavy metals from lake sediment and water.
The study assessed human health risks associated with heavy metal exposure via the lake environment, indicating potential concern for local populations.
Lotus demonstrated phytoremediation potential, suggesting it could be used as a low-cost, plant-based strategy to reduce heavy metal levels in contaminated freshwater systems.
