Review: the behaviour and environmental impact of contaminants in fertilizers

摘要: The risks of contaminants accumulating in soils and crops due to inadvertent addition impurities agricultural fertilizers soil amendments were assessed for Australian conditions. Elements considered concern arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), fluorine (F), lead (Pb) mercury (Hg). Consideration background concentrations these elements soils, inputs offtake harvested indicates that Cd F will accumulate fertilized at a faster rate than As, Pb or Hg. major factors affecting the accumulation fertilizer-derived Cd, F, Hg their transfer are reviewed an context where data available. Cadmium is element most as its from edible portions food significantly greater other elements. After consideration behaviour soil-plant system, we conclude pose negligible risk toxic crops. Proposed regulations governing maximum permitted (MPCs) may need review critical definition, given current loadings fertilizers. Some produce currently exceeds MPCs Cd. However, levels observed range similar those found internationally. While phosphatic have been historically high comparison with used countries, lower fertilizer per unit area less atmospheric contamination resulted land compared Europe. In recent years use development plant cultivars which restrict uptake should assist control by acidification salinization Australia poses threat terms increasing produce. trace metals, availability plants appears decline only slowly time, if all. More added removed leaching. It therefore important long-term be assessed, determine increase over time.