Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. 
Divine Aleru is an accomplished biochemist and researcher with a specialized background in environmental toxicology, focusing on the impacts of heavy metals on human health. With deep-rooted expertise in microbiome signatures analysis, Divine seamlessly blends rigorous scientific training with her passion for deciphering the intricate relationships between environmental exposures and the human microbiome. Her career is distinguished by a commitment to advancing integrative health interventions, leveraging cutting-edge microbiome research to illuminate how toxic metals shape biological systems. Driven by curiosity and innovation, Divine is dedicated to translating complex environmental findings into actionable insights that improve individual and public health outcomes. What was issued?
The study addresses the serious issue of cadmium (Cd) contamination in groundwater, highlighting its health risks, behavior in water, and available remediation strategies. It provides a detailed analysis of the sources of cadmium, including both natural processes such as rock weathering and human activities like industrial waste and agriculture. The document discusses how cadmium enters the human body, particularly through contaminated drinking water, and accumulates in various organs, causing long-term health issues. It also emphasizes the importance of managing and reducing cadmium contamination using effective remediation techniques like adsorption, phytoremediation, and nanotechnology, while considering the associated costs.
Who is affected?
Populations living in regions with significant industrial activities or near agricultural areas that use phosphate fertilizers are most at risk of cadmium exposure through contaminated groundwater. Workers in mining, battery production, and industries dealing with metal processing are also at heightened risk due to direct exposure to cadmium in their work environments. Additionally, communities relying on groundwater for drinking water, especially in areas where industrial waste, agricultural runoff, or landfill leachate infiltrates the aquifers, face significant health threats. Vulnerable groups, such as children and pregnant women, are more susceptible to cadmium’s toxic effects, including kidney damage, bone diseases, and increased cancer risks.
Most important findings
The document reveals that cadmium contamination in groundwater is a critical global issue, with particularly high concentrations in regions like Lagos, Nigeria, and parts of India. It identifies the key factors affecting cadmium mobility in water, such as pH, redox conditions, and the presence of dissolved organic carbon. Elevated cadmium levels can be toxic, leading to kidney failure, bone damage, and cancers. The review highlights several effective remediation methods, such as chemical precipitation, bioremediation, and phytoremediation, with particular emphasis on the use of nanoparticles and adsorption materials, which have proven to be cost-effective and efficient. The study also underscores the challenges posed by cadmium’s bioaccumulation in food chains, which magnifies its impact on human health.
Key implications
For industry stakeholders, the findings underscore the need to monitor and control cadmium emissions to reduce contamination in groundwater. Regulatory bodies should enforce stricter guidelines for cadmium concentrations in drinking water, with a focus on industries contributing to contamination. Food manufacturers, particularly those sourcing water or raw materials from affected regions, must be vigilant in testing for cadmium and adhering to safe limits to prevent contamination of food products. Public health initiatives should focus on reducing cadmium exposure in vulnerable communities through better water management practices, promoting alternative agricultural practices, and supporting the development of low-cost, effective remediation technologies.
Citation
Gupta, P. K., Singh, A., Vaish, B., Singh, P., Kothari, R., & Singh, R. P. (2022). A comprehensive study on aquatic chemistry, health risk and remediation techniques of cadmium in groundwater.Science of The Total Environment, 818, 151784. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.151784
Cadmium is a persistent heavy metal that accumulates in kidneys and bones. Dietary sources include cereals, cocoa, shellfish and vegetables, while smokers and industrial workers receive higher exposures. Studies link cadmium to kidney dysfunction, bone fractures and cancer.
