Feasibility of Using Biomarkers for Assessing Heavy-Metal Contamination in Soil: A Meta-Analysis

Yangbeijia Liu, Zixuan Li, Liyu Li, Sisi Zhao, Wendi Zhao and Yinghua Shu ()
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Yangbeijia Liu: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Zixuan Li: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Liyu Li: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Sisi Zhao: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Wendi Zhao: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China
Yinghua Shu: Key Laboratory of Agro-Environment in the Tropics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China

Agriculture, 2025, vol. 15, issue 16, 1-17

Abstract: Soil contamination by heavy metals represents a critical environmental challenge, demanding reliable assessment methods. While biotoxicity assays are widely employed, the selection of sensitive biomarkers for heavy-metal contamination remains poorly defined. This study systematically assessed the sensitivity of biological indicators by analyzing 17 peer-reviewed studies (2003–2024) from various databases. The results revealed significant changes in the physiological and biochemical indicators of soil organisms exposed to heavy metals. Specifically, compared to control groups, the experimental groups showed 180%, 150%, and 145% catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, respectively. Meta-regression analysis indicated that biomarker responses are shaped by metal type, concentration, exposure duration, soil organism species, and soil variables. Cadmium exposure significantly increased CAT activity (+2.26), SOD activity (+3.46), POD activity (+3.44), and MDA content (+2.80). While CAT activity exhibited significant publication bias, POD and MDA remain promising biomarkers, with applicability varying across species and environmental conditions. This study presents a decision framework for biomarker selection based on metal speciation and soil properties, aiming to standardize ecological risk assessments and strengthen regulatory monitoring of heavy-metal impacts on soil health.

Keywords: heavy metal; meta-analysis; systematic review; soil organism; biomarker (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q10 Q11 Q12 Q13 Q14 Q15 Q16 Q17 Q18 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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