Organic amendments in the immobilization of cadmium in contaminated agricultural soils: A review

Abstract

This article is a review of the use of organic amendments in the immobility of cadmium in contaminated agricultural soils. Cadmium (Cd) has become a global problem since industrialization began and since the implementation of intensive agricultural practices. Cadmium remains as an omnipresent environmental problem since it is a highly toxic metal that persists in the soil for long periods due to its minimal microbial and chemical loss. Currently, there is public awareness about the implications of agricultural soils contaminated with cadmium. Therefore, there is increased interest in developing and applying cost-effective, friendly, and environmentally friendly techniques such as in situ immobilization using organic amendments. It is concluded that organic amendments have the potential value to reduce Cd uptake by plants and improve immobilization by adsorption, ion exchange, complexation and precipitation.