Sources and Spatial Distribution of Cadmium in the Environment

Potentially hazardous trace element contamination of the environment poses a severe threat to the environment. One such hazardous and cancer-causing substance that is discharged into the environment by a variety of man-made and natural processes is cadmium. The physico-chemical characteristics of soil have a significant impact on its existence on the terrestrial surface. Humans who are exposed to trace amounts of it have the risk of major health problems such as cancer and renal disorders. Because of its widespread dispersion and extremely persistent nature, it may be detected in every environmental domain. Through intricate interactions, it penetrates our food chain and becomes bioaccumulated in the tissues of organisms and plant parts that are suitable for harvesting. Cadmium concentrations in food products derived from cacao are confirmed to be higher than the safe limits by recent investigations. The adequacy of cadmium in arable soil, groundwater, and atmosphere is shown by spatial pattern studies. Its existence in winter deposition is also confirmed by certain research employing sector field ICP-MS. This chapter primarily focuses on the spatial distribution of cadmium and its numerous sources. In addition, the discussion includes its fate in the environment and the chemistry involved.