Distribution and compartmentation of cadmium in an arid grassland ecosystem

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1972

OSTI ID:6431900

Munshower, F

The distribution of cadmium in soils, plants, and animals and the movement of Cd through the food chain from soil to plants to herbivores was studied between 1969 and 1971 in the Deer Lodge Valley of Montana. This valley has been polluted by emissions from the smelter complex at its southern end for over 80 years. Soils, flora, and fauna were sampled at different distances from the smelter. Heavy Cd pollution occurred within 2 to 3 miles of the smelter. Sites examined in this zone generally showed significantly lower soil pH values than other sites in the valley and greater Cd movement. Utilizing data collected in the study of Cd in plants and animals on the state prison pastures 15 miles from the smelter. A hypothetical ecosystem was constructed. Three compartments were recognized: soil, producers, and herbivores. A computer simulation of the ecosystem was developed. The model indicated that under the present grazing system, soil Cd levels will not be appreciably reduced for several hundred years and that if even small increments of Cd are added to the ecosystem along with the other heavy metals operated by the smelter, the agricultural productivity of this valley will continue to be degraded. 7 figures, 2 tables.

• OSTI ID: 6431900
• Report Number(s): CONF-720875-
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ANIMALS
CADMIUM
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CONTAMINATION
ECOSYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FEDERAL REGION VIII
FOOD CHAINS
MASS TRANSFER
METALS
MONTANA
NORTH AMERICA
PH VALUE
PLANTS
POLLUTION SOURCES
SIMULATION
SMELTERS
SOILS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
USA