Global and regional patterns of soil metal(loid) mobility and associated risks

Chongchong Qi, Tao Hu, Yi Zheng, Mengting Wu, Fiona H. M. Tang, Min Liu, Bintian Zhang, Sybil Derrible, Qiusong Chen, Gongren Hu, Liyuan Chai and Zhang Lin ()
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Chongchong Qi: Central South University
Tao Hu: Central South University
Yi Zheng: Southern University of Science and Technology
Mengting Wu: Central South University
Fiona H. M. Tang: Monash University
Min Liu: Central South University
Bintian Zhang: Southern University of Science and Technology
Sybil Derrible: University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)
Qiusong Chen: Central South University
Gongren Hu: Huaqiao University
Liyuan Chai: Central South University
Zhang Lin: Central South University

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-11

Abstract: Abstract Soil contamination by metals and metalloids (metal[loid]s) is a global issue with significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and food security. Accurate risk assessment depends on understanding metal(loid) mobility, which dictates bioavailability and environmental impact. Here we show a theory-guided machine learning model that predicts soil metal(loid) fractionation across the globe. Our model identifies total metal(loid) content and soil organic carbon as primary drivers of metal(loid) mobility. We find that 37% of the world’s land is at medium-to-high mobilization risk, with hotspots in Russia, Chile, Canada, and Namibia. Our analysis indicates that global efforts to enhance soil carbon sequestration may inadvertently increase metal(loid) mobility. Furthermore, in Europe, the divergence between spatial distributions of total and mobile metal(loid)s is uncovered. These findings offer crucial insights into global distributions and drivers of soil metal(loid) mobility, providing a robust tool for prioritizing metal(loid) mobility testing, raising awareness, and informing sustainable soil management practices.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58026-8

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