Rare earth elements (REEs) are used increasingly often in innovative technologies, causing these elements to enter the natural environment [1]Link opens in a new window. The extensive usage of REEs in different industries may eventually lead to severe contamination of the surrounding environment, agriculture, aquatic fauna, and soil, which might, in turn, cause severe damage to human health. Different studies were conducted to evaluate REEs’ toxicity effect in soil, water, model organisms, and humans working in close collaboration with the REEs field mentioned in recent times [2]Link opens in a new window.

Many research groups are studying the toxicity effects of different REEs due to REEs’ persistence in the environment for a long time. A group of researchers highlighted the use of local Moran’s I test in assessing the spatial statistical analysis of REEs contamination, especially in the hotspots of urban soil. They indicated that REEs enrichment in urban soils might occur due to the complex metal recycling sources, waste disposal, agricultural practices, and vehicular emission [2].

Rare Earth Elements Education Resources for Biology

Biology  (AS 7401) (A-Level 7402) 

Biology A (Salters-Nuffield) 

Module 4.2: Biodiversity (Climate change)  

Module 6.3.2: Population and Sustainability (Ecosystem, environmental resource management, and sustainability)