Water contamination: Cadmium in drinking water

Cadmium is a naturally occurring metal and is usually present in the environment as a mineral combined with other elements, such as oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur, or as a minor component of most metal ores such as zinc, lead, and copper. Cadmium is also released in the environment from industrial activity; in particular, ore-smelting plants, industrial paints, and agricultural fertilizers. Over the last few decades, considerable attention has been paid to the evaluation and detection of cadmium contamination in the environment, mostly because of the relationship between cadmium exposure and the development of chronic health problems, including renal dysfunction, osteoporosis, and carcinogenesis, as well as developmental and reproductive problems. Water contamination by cadmium is of particular interest because of its high solubility in acidic conditions. Contamination of drinking-water may occur as a result of the presence of cadmium as an impurity in the zinc of galvanized pipes or cadmium-containing sold...