Cadmium in Environment—An Overview

Cadmium (Cd), a naturally occurring heavy metal, has garnered significant attention due to its widespread presence in the environment and potential adverse effects on ecosystems and human health. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the sources, distribution, fate, and toxicological aspects of cadmium in the environment. Industrial processes, mining activities, and agricultural practices are significant contributors to cadmium contamination in the environment, impacting soil, water, and air quality. Additionally, atmospheric deposition of combustion emissions and urbanization also play crucial roles in the dissemination of cadmium pollutants. These diverse anthropogenic activities can lead to the release of cadmium into the environment through various pathways, posing risks to ecosystems and human health. Cadmium's high mobility is influenced by various factors, including pH, redox state, and ionic strength. Despite this, Cd can endure in solution via water-soluble complexes like CdCl− and Cd(SO4)22−, and interacts with dissolved organic matter. Overall, cadmium toxicity is a serious health and environmental concern, necessitating vigilant monitoring and precautionary measures to safeguard human health and ecological integrity. This overview aims to aid researchers, policymakers, and environmental practitioners in tackling cadmium contamination and fostering sustainable environmental management.