Other metals, like cadmium, are toxic and the accumulation of these metals can pose a serious threat to ecosystems and human health.
Iron deficiency is the most common human nutritional disorder in the world today.
The World Health Organization estimates that over 3 billion people worldwide suffer from iron deficiency. Despite the fact that plants serve as the principal source of iron in most diets worldwide, most crops contain low amounts of bioavailable iron. In addition, low iron availability often limits plant growth, resulting in reductions in yield. Although plants require iron for normal growth and development, iron can also be toxic if accumulated to high levels. Thus, as iron levels in the soil change, plants must maintain a balanced intracellular supply of iron.