From rock to living systems: Lanthanides toxicity and biological interactions

Since the discovery of lanthanides, the expanding range of applications and the growing demand for lanthanides in different aspects of life have escalated their dispersion in the environment, raising concerns about their impact on the living world. This review explores the interaction between lanthanides and different groups of living organisms (bacteria, algae, lichens, plants, invertebrates, and low vertebrates), reflecting the current state of scientific knowledge. We have aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of relevant studies, highlight existing gaps, and suggest potential areas for future research to enhance the understanding of this topic. •Lanthanide-dependent methanol dehydrogenases highlight the emerging role of rare earth elements in microbial metabolism.•Invertebrate research highlight lanthanides’ potential to mitigate heavy metal toxicity.•Lanthanides like La3+ and Yb3+ disrupt biological processes in aquatic vertebrates, posing ecological risks.