Bioaccumulation and Translocation of Cadmium in Rapeseed in High Cadmium-Contaminated Regions: A Case Study of You County, Hunan Province

• • 71% of rhizosphere soil samples exceeded the agricultural soil pollution risk screening value for Cd, indicating severe contamination and high ecological risk in You County. • • Cd concentrations in rapeseed roots and stems were (0.49 ± 0.39) mg·kg⁻¹ and (0.54 ± 0.31) mg·kg⁻¹, respectively, comparable to soil Cd levels, with bioaccumulation and translocation factors >1, posing secondary pollution risks if residues are improperly managed. • • Cd bioaccumulation and translocation factors in rapeseed seeds were <1, and Cd levels in seeds, oil, and oilseed meals were relatively low, supporting rapeseed as a low-Cd-accumulating oil crop. • • Comparative analysis showed rapeseed oil and meal had lower Cd concentrations than those from sesame, camellia oleifera, and peanut, offering a safer alternative for edible oil production in Cd-contaminated regions.