OCCURRENCE OF CADMIUM IN THE NATURE AND I TS MORE IMPORTANT PHYSIOLOGICAL-CHARACTERISTICS

Occurrence of cadmium in the nature and its metabolism, as well as hea lth-injuring activities have been treated. Chemical properties and pos sibilities of the accumulation of cadmium in the nature (soil, water, air) have been detailed. Table 1 shows the cadmium concentrations meas ured in the atmosphere of an industrial region and Figure 1 shows that found in the water. Origin of the Cd-content of plants (Fig. 2) and t he effect of pH on the Cd-uptake of plants have also been demonstrated . Place of Cd in the biogeochemical circulation has been illustrated i n Figure 3. Its concentration in certain foodstuffs and feeds has also been treated (Table 3). It shows that the highest Cd concentration is in soya. Cd-content of individual plant parts are, in order of diminu tion, as follows: root, stems, leaf, seedpods. Absorption of Cd in the human and animal organism, its metabolism and excretion have also bee n detailed. Finally, its medical effects and general, as well as speci al health-injuring effects of Cd-poisoning have been summarized.