Genotoxic Effects of Arsenic in Food-Crops: A Need for Transgenerational Studies

Abstract

Groundwater arsenic contamination has impacted millions of lives in over 100 countries; India and Bangladesh are the foremost victims. Arsenic contamination of food materials, especially rice, the staple food, is the biggest concern in these regions. Arsenic-tolerant rice varieties can help protect millions of impoverished people in arsenic-affected areas. However, transgenerational studies on the impact of arsenic on rice varieties over generations are highly neglected. This article highlights the need for transgenerational studies in arsenic-contaminated areas. A few rice varieties have shown tolerance to arsenic that could be explored to investigate whether these varieties can be sufficiently tolerant if they continue to be grown in an arsenic environment for a few consecutive generations. Transgenerational or epigenetics studies, therefore, are vital in protecting millions of human lives.