Cadmium (Cd)
Role in plants
Cadmium has no beneficial role in plant metabolism. It is a toxic heavy metal.
Toxicity symptoms
- Growth inhibition
- Chlorosis
- Root damage
- Interference with zinc, iron, and calcium uptake
- Accumulation in edible tissues
Natural sources
- Parent rock and mineral soils
- Volcanic deposits
Man-made sources
- Contaminated phosphate fertilisers
- Industrial pollution
- Sewage sludge
Plant interaction form