Potential of Graphene Nanoparticles for Reducing Cadmium Toxicity and Environmental Contamination

This narrative review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies retrieved from major scientific databases addressing the environmental and biological applications of graphene-based nanomaterials for cadmium mitigation. Cadmium (Cd) is a nonessential and highly toxic heavy metal with a prolonged biological half-life and extensive environmental persistence, posing substantial risks to the ecosystem and human health. Exposure to cadmium is linked to nephrotoxicity, carcinogenicity, endocrine disruption, and reproductive issues. This review critically evaluates the emerging role of graphene-based nanoparticles, particularly graphene oxide (GO) and its functional derivatives, in reducing Cd bioavailability in soil, wastewater, and along the food chain. GO-based composites can achieve adsorption capacities above approximately 50-500 mg cadmium per gram of material, depending on functionalization and matrix, highlighting their substantial removal potential. Recent evidence demonstrates graphene's dual functionality: as a potent adsorbent for cadmium ions and as an enhancer of biological tolerance to cadmium-induced toxicity in both plants and human cells. To our knowledge, this review is the first to comprehensively integrate cross-disciplinary evidence on (i) the integration of engineered graphene membranes for selective filtration under pressure, (ii) GO-enhanced soil amendments that reduce cadmium uptake, (iii) thiol-functionalized composites for precise metal adsorption, and (iv) magnetic graphene nanoparticles enabling suitable cadmium removal. By integrating cross-disciplinary evidence, we provide a comprehensive roadmap for implementing graphene nanoenabled environmental interventions. Despite promising outcomes, most available evidence is based on laboratory-scale studies, with limited field-scale validation and an incomplete understanding of the long-term environmental fate and ecotoxicity of graphene nanomaterials.