Problems and prospects of standardization of molybdenum in soil

Introduction. Rationing of chemicals in the soil is one of the promising and challenging areas in hygiene. Currently, there is no approved standard for the molybdenum content in the soil in the Russian Federation. As studies in recent years have shown, molybdenum can be a massive soil pollutant, especially in places of its man-made emissions, and its excessive content in the soil can lead to adverse consequences for human health.

The purpose of the study. To determine the prospects and problems of molybdenum rationing in soil based on the literature data and own research data.

Materials and methods. Literature sources on the effects of molybdenum on the environment and public health were studied using the following databases in the literature search: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MedLine, Global Health, RSCI. Field studies were conducted on the molybdenum content in the soil for various purposes in the Kurchatov, Kursk region and in Yarovoye, Altai Territory.

Results. The levels of molybdenum in the soil of a city with a developed chemical industry have been established to exceed the levels of molybdenum in the soil of a city with a nuclear industry by more than 2 times. The concentration coefficient of the chemical substance (K_c) molybdenum in the studied territories exceeds 1, which can significantly affect the total soil pollution index. The molybdenum content in the studied territories was also found to exceed the standards established in other countries. It is shown that without creating a single standard for the molybdenum content in the soil, it is impossible to assess the quality and safety of both soils and products grown in areas potentially contaminated with molybdenum. The need to improve the methodological base on laboratory methods for the determination of molybdenum in soil was also noted.

Limitations. The studies were conducted on soils selected from two territories with developed nuclear and chemical industries, and did not affect territories with other sources of pollution.

Conclusion. The creation of a hygienically sound standard for the maximum permissible concentration of molybdenum in the soil makes it possible to objectively identify both the sources of pollution and the possibility of assessing its advers impact on the population.

Compliance with ethical standards. The study does not require submission to a biomedical ethics committee or other documents.

Contribution:
Evseeva I.S. – concept and design of research, collection of material and data processing, text writing, editing;
Ushakova O.V. – concept and design of the study, writing, editing;
Kamenetskaya D.B. – collection of material and data processing, text writing, editing;
Yudin S.M. – research concept, editing.
All authors are responsible for the integrity of all parts of the manuscript and approval of the manuscript final version.

Conflict of interest. The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding. The study was carried out within the framework of a state assignment.

Received: July 26, 2025 / Accepted: October 15, 2025 / Published: November 14, 2025

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