3-64

METALS (3000)

3500-Cd CADMIUM
Cadmium (Cd) is the second element in Group IIB of the
periodic table; it has an atomic number of 48, an atomic weight
of 112.41, and a valence of 2. The average abundance of Cd in
the earths crust is 0.16 ppm; in soils it is 0.1 to 0.5 ppm; in
streams it is 1 g/L, and in groundwaters it is from 1 to 10 g/L.
Cadmium occurs in sulfide minerals that also contain zinc, lead,
or copper. The metal is used in electroplating, batteries, paint
pigments, and in alloys with various other metals. Cadmium is
usually associated with zinc at a ratio of about 1 part cadmium
to 500 parts zinc in most rocks and soils.
The solubility of cadmium is controlled in natural waters by
carbonate equilibria. Guidelines for maximum cadmium concentrations in natural water are linked to the hardness or alkalinity
of the water (i.e., the softer the water, the lower the permitted
level of cadmium). It is nonessential for plants and animals.
Joint Task Group: 20th EditionSee 3500-Al.

Cadmium is extremely toxic and accumulates in the kidneys

andliver, with prolonged intake at low levels sometimes leading
to dysfunction of the kidneys. The United Nations Food and
Agriculture Organization recommended maximum level for cadmium in irrigation waters is 10 g/L. The U.S. EPA primary
drinking water standard MCL is 10 g/L.
The electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric method
(3113B) is preferred. The flame atomic absorption methods
(3111B and C) and inductively coupled plasma methods (3120
and 3125) provide acceptable precision and bias, with higher
detection limits. Anodic stripping voltammetry (3130B) can
achieve superior detection limits, but is susceptible to interferences from copper, silver, gold, and organic compounds. When
atomic absorption spectrometric or inductively coupled plasma
apparatus is unavailable and the desired precision is not as great,
the dithizone method detailed in the 19th Edition of Standard
Methods is suitable.