Occurrence of cadmium in groundwater in China: a review

Abstract

China has one of the world’s fastest-growing economies due to its increase in various industrial activities. A side effect of economic growth is severe environmental problems such as heavy metal contamination of soil and groundwater. Anthropogenic activities are the main sources of cadmium which is highly mobile and toxic with the potential to bioaccumulate in the ecosystem. It can contaminate ground and river water consequently negatively impacting agriculture and water sources. Anthropogenic source of Cd concentrations in China is 0.002 mg/L in drinking water, 0.102 mg/kg in soil, and 0.23–0.96 mg/kg in paddy soil. Geological trends and health implications of cadmium contamination in Human, southern China were analyzed. Source, transportation, and various conventional remediation processes exist today and can be categorized as biological, physical, and chemical. Using nanoparticle technology, it has been found that adsorption capacities can be 3 to 4 times higher compared to using powdered activated carbon. From the experiment carried out, a maximum adsorption capacity of 10.86 mg/g for cadmium was obtained. Cadmium intake in south China populations occurred at an alarming rate and most children were at greater risk of being affected. Therefore, cadmium contamination should be taken seriously by the responsible authorities.

Cadmium Exposure and Renal Function Biomarkers: A 10-Year Follow-Up of Thailand’s Tak Province Population

“…We developed an integrated co-operation strategy between local administrative organizations and public health agencies to monitor health consequences for at-risk individuals over the age of 15 years in the region, separated into three categories: environmental surveillance, encompassing surveillance, such as measuring cadmium levels in the blood (short-term exposure) and urine (long-term exposure), and protection against different types of cadmium in the environment; exposure surveillance, where those who have been exposed to cadmium, but present no symptoms or moderate symptoms, are subject to observation; and health effect surveillance focusing on renal function in participants evaluated with UCd levels higher than 0.2 µg/gCr, bone porosity in menstruating women, and nutrition, such as reducing the consumption of natural foods high in cadmium, including sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus), maize (Zea mays), poplar, or willow, as well as the consumption of protein-rich foods, including red meat, high-zinc foods, such as seafood, and foods high in calcium, such as fish and various types of milk, to meet the body's nutritional requirements [38]. Thus, persons who adopt a vegetarian diet because they are part of the group that consumes mostly fibrous foods are at risk of iron deficiency; therefore, this was perceived as a separate category in the study.…”

“…During the commencement of menstruation, female adolescents develop at a more rapid rate than male adolescents. Due to menstrual iron loss, female adolescents are more likely to be exposed to cadmium at this age than male adolescents [38]. However, in males aged 15 years and older, the rapid growth of their body structure and muscles increases the requirements of the circulatory system and oxygen levels, which, in turn, affects the body's demand for hemoglobin.…”

“…However, in males aged 15 years and older, the rapid growth of their body structure and muscles increases the requirements of the circulatory system and oxygen levels, which, in turn, affects the body's demand for hemoglobin. Iron in the RBC increases proportionally, resulting in an increased risk of iron deficiency in adolescent boys' bodies [38]. However, managing the release of cadmium into the environment is challenging in research, since it is generated by human activity, particularly in industrial and mining operations where cadmium is a byproduct of smelting, along with other heavy metals, depending on the kind of mineral, or is removed directly for use, depending on the characteristics of cadmium (specific gravity: 8.65, Mohs hardness: 2.0, refractive index: 1.13, melting point: 321.1 • C, boiling point: 766.8 • C [39].…”

“…Although cadmium has several advantages, its usage causes environmental damage. It is the primary source of cadmium pollution in the environment over an extended period of time (a half-life of 30 years) and enters the human body via the food chain [38].…”