Kadm w srodowisku regionu krakowskiego: pochodzenie i zagrozenie

The content of cadmium in arable topsoil and in red clover cultivated on these soils was determined on the basis of analysis of 235 soil samples and 223 samples of plants. The results concerning the occurrence of cadmium in soils and clover were supplemented by the assays of cadmium in parenchymatous organs of deer. The arable soils within the Cracow voivodship, with several exceptions, are not dangerously contaminated with cadmium. However, soils with elevated content of this element (> 1 mg/kg d. wt) constitute a considerable share. The regions with soils where elevated contents of cadmium are mainly due to anthropogerüc factors, include primarily the north-west areas of the voivodsltip adjoining the regions of zinc-lead ores mining and their processing, and secondly, the neighbourhood of T. Sendzimir metal works. Elevated content of cadmium in the natural environment of some areas in the Cracow Voivodeship is also reflected by its amount in the kidneys and liver of deer. Spatial distribution of cadmium content in clover does not coincide with its content in the soil. Cadmium uptake by clover is considerably influenced by other soil properties, particularly pH. Along with an increase in pH the cadmium content in clover significantly decreased.