1、Cadmium pollution from phosphate fertilizers in arable soils and crops

Cadmium, a non-essential and toxic heavy metal, has been found in relatively high amounts in common P fertilizers obtained from sediments. This metal poses a high risk for soil fertility, crop cultivation, and plants in general.

2、Cadmium content in fertilizers and its impacts on soil health

Cd can be released into the environment through natural activities (erosion, river transport, and volcanic activity) and, above all, through phosphate fertilizers, which can cause pollution.

3、Cadmium and Phosphorous Fertilizers: The Issues and the Science

Because fertilization increases the risk of Cd transfer to the food chain, some governments have imposed limits restricting the Cd content of P fertilizers. However, scientific risk assessments have shown that P fertilizer containing Cd is safe and does not pose risk to human health.

Phosphate Fertilizers’ Dual Role in Cadmium

In this study, the impact of multi-crop applications (75 mg P kg −1, 150 mg P kg −1) of four kinds of PFs on reducing soil Cd toxicity and decreasing Cd accumulation in spinach was investigated.

Reasons for High Cadmium Content in Phosphate Fertilizers

The high cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers results from a combination of factors, including raw material sources, production processes, environmental pollution, usage practices, and storage conditions.

CADMIUM IN PHOSPHOROUS FERTILIZERS: BALANCE AND TRENDS

Thus, cadmium has become an increasing concern to the phosphate industry and is considered one of the most important challenges currently facing the fertilizer industry for continuous market...

Types of phosphorus fertilizers and their influences on cadmium and

The interactions between phosphate fertilizers in agricultural production and cadmium in soil affect the bioavailability of cadmium in soils, causing changes in the movement and transformation of cadmium in soil-plant systems.In recent years, feasibility study concerning cadmium availability in soils and cadmium uptake by plants regulated by ...

Phosphate fertilizers and cadmium exposure risks

Chronic cadmium exposure, largely linked to phosphate fertilizer use in conventional agriculture, elevates the risks of cancers (lung, prostate, pancreas, liver, kidney), DNA damage, renal insufficiency, osteoporosis, spontaneous fractures, reproductive disorders, and cardiovascular disease.

Effects of different phosphorus fertilizers on cadmium absorption and

In this study, four types of foliar and solid phosphate fertilizers were used to study the effect of phosphate fertilizer on Cd accumulation in rice plants under the background of low-P and rich-Cd soil.

Arsenic, cadmium, and chromium concentrations in contrasting phosphate

Phosphate fertilizers with high Cd content led to increased concentrations of Cd in soil matrix, soil solution, plant tissues, and xylem sap and may result in environmental and food chain contamination if recurred applications are made over time.

The high cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers can be attributed to the following primary factors:

1. Raw Material Sources: The main ingredient of phosphate fertilizers is calcium phosphate, which is derived from phosphorus-containing ores. These ores often contain heavy metals such as cadmium. Consequently, when phosphorus-containing ores are processed into phosphate fertilizers, residual cadmium and other heavy metals remain in the final product.

2. Production Processes: During phosphate fertilizer production, calcium phosphate is converted into calcium dihydrogen phosphate and calcium oxide through processes like high-temperature smelting and crystallization. If these processes are improperly controlled, cadmium-containing raw materials may become incorporated into the molten mixture, leading to elevated cadmium levels in the fertilizer.

3. Environmental Factors: Cadmium pollution in soils also contributes to higher cadmium levels in phosphate fertilizers. Soil cadmium originates from sources such as atmospheric deposition, water and soil erosion, and industrial contamination. Once in the soil, cadmium binds with organic matter to form soluble compounds, which are absorbed by plants. When these plants are processed into feed or fertilizers, their cadmium content is transferred to the phosphate fertilizer.

4. Fertilizer Usage: Improper application of phosphate fertilizers can exacerbate cadmium accumulation. For example, excessive cadmium in fertilizers may harm crop growth or cause plant death. In such cases, crops may transfer cadmium back into the soil, further increasing soil cadmium levels.

5. Storage and Transportation: Phosphate fertilizers may also become contaminated during storage and transportation. For instance, packaging materials containing heavy metals like cadmium could leach into the fertilizer. Additionally, exposure to rainwater or other liquids during storage might increase cadmium solubility and concentration.

The high cadmium content in phosphate fertilizers results from a combination of factors, including raw material sources, production processes, environmental pollution, usage practices, and storage conditions. To mitigate cadmium levels, the following measures are recommended:

1. Select low-cadmium raw materials (e.g., calcium phosphate, gypsum).
2. Optimize production techniques to minimize heavy metal intake.
3. Strengthen environmental protection to prevent soil contamination.
4. Regulate fertilizer application to avoid overuse.
5. Enhance storage and transportation management to prevent contamination.