VINIF.2022.DA00020 – Arsenic in Vietnamese rice: Current status, future prediction and mitigation strategies

project manager image
Principle Investigator
Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Minh
Host Organization
University of Science, Vietnam National University

Arsenic is a harmful element that can cause cancer. In arsenic-contaminated soils, this element can be absorbed and accumulate in rice. Because rice is the main food source for more than half of the global population, arsenic in rice is a matter of special concern to the scientific community. Most rice growing plains in the world accumulate Arsenic. Therefore, Arsenic accumulation in rice is considered one of the major risks (besides climate change) that can impact wet rice cultivation, food security and food safety on a global scale. Because Arsenic is available in soil and sediment, the absorption and accumulation of Arsenic in rice is considered “irreversible”. However, the limit of Arsenic absorption and accumulation depends on the physical and chemical factors of the soil environment. Therefore, developing appropriate farming techniques can also partly limit the absorption and accumulation of Arsenic. In the context of many major environmental changes such as climate change, saltwater intrusion, increased pollution; and with rapid changes in breeding, fertilizer, and irrigation techniques, the level of Arsenic accumulation in rice is likely to change. This project was carried out to predict the future trend of Arsenic accumulation and propose appropriate technical solutions to improve rice quality, contributing to limiting negative impacts on public health and ensuring livelihood for millions of workers in rural areas.

project manager image
Principle Investigator
Prof. Nguyen Ngoc Minh
Host Organization
University of Science, Vietnam National University

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Expect Progress
01/12/2022
30/11/2023
Phase 1

– Report on the results of the greenhouse review and the establishment of mesocosm experiment systems;
– Dataset on As content in soil, straw, and rice, along with data on the properties of soil, straw, and rice (year 1);
– Preliminary geographical distribution map;
– Report on the results of the first year of implementation;
– One draft of a journal article intended for submission to a registered journal.

30/11/2024
Phase 2

– Dataset on As content in soil, straw, and rice, along with data on the properties of soil, straw, and rice (year 2);
– Complete geographical distribution map simulating As content in soil and rice;
– Dataset on the impact of various research conditions on the accumulation of As in soil, rice plants, and rice;
– Completion of the experimental design and field experiment site;
– Report on the results of the second year of implementation;
– One presentation (or acceptance letter) at a conference as per the project’s registered list and approved by the fund;
– One journal article accepted for publication, one journal article submitted for publication to a registered journal.

30/11/2025
Phase 3

– Complete dataset on the impact of various research conditions on the accumulation of As in soil, rice plants, and rice;
– Model simulating the fate and movement of As through the developmental stages of the rice plant, from soil to grain;
– Dataset on As content in field experiment samples, from which measures will be taken to adjust for subsequent crops;
– Rice with As content reduced from >300µg/kg to below 50µg/kg (aiming for As-free rice);
– Three journal articles accepted for publication in registered journals;
– One intellectual property certificate and/or evidence of the acceptance of the content appraisal request by the competent authority for granting intellectual property rights;
– One report on the results.

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