The effects of application of phosphatic fertilizer on cadmium concentration in ground waters around vineyards of Hyderabad

Environ Monit Assess. 1994 Oct;33(1):71-4. doi: 10.1007/BF00546663.

Abstract

Cadmium is an important contaminant of superphosphate. Market samples of superphosphate revealed a concentration of cadmium in the range of 18.2-28.5 mg/kg. Application of periodic excess doses of superphosphate in vineyards 5-35 years old has led to elevated concentrations of cadmium in the ground water in the vineyards. Ground water samples from different vineyards analysed for cadmium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry revealed concentrations of cadmium in the range of 3.2-99.2 µg/I. These concentrations of cadmium in the ground water can be regarded as significant, since ground water serves as the only source of water for the vineyards.