Copper (Cu) is an essential element for humans and plants when present in lesser amount, while in excessive amounts it exerts detrimental effects. There subsists a narrow difference amid the indispensable, positive and detrimental concentration of Cu in living system, which substantially alters with Cu speciation, and form of living organisms. Consequently, it is vital to monitor its bioavailability, speciation, exposure levels and routes in the living organisms. The ingestion of Cu-laced food crops is the key source of this heavy metal toxicity in humans. Hence, it is necessary to appraise the biogeochemical behaviour of Cu in soil-plant system with esteem to their quantity and speciation. On the basis of existing research, this appraisal traces a probable connexion midst: Cu levels, sources, chemistry, speciation and bioavailability in the soil. Besides, the functions of protein transporters in soil-plant Cu transport, and the detrimental effect of Cu on morphological, physiological and nutrient uptake in plants has also been discussed in the current manuscript. Mechanisms related to detoxification strategies like antioxidative response and generation of glutathione and phytochelatins to combat Cu-induced toxicity in plants is discussed as well. We also delimits the Cu accretion in food crops and allied health perils from soils encompassing less or high Cu quantity. Finally, an overview of various techniques involved in the reclamation and restoration of Cu-contaminated soils has been provided.
Keywords: Bioavailability; Copper; Hyperaccumulation; Phytoremediation; Phytotoxicity; Speciation.
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