US EPA

1350592 

Journal Article 

Heavy metal contaminants in inorganic and organic fertilizers 

Mortvedt, JJ 

1996 

43 

1-3 

55-61 

WOS:A1996UK52000010 

Commercial phosphate (P) fertilizers contain small amounts
of heavy-metal contaminants which were minor constituents in phosphate rock (PR). Animal manures
and sewage sludges (biosolids) are the main organic fertilizers and the latter also may contain
heavy-metal contaminants. Heavy metals in biosolids may be found in the inorganic form or may be
organically complexed, which could affect their chemical reactions in soil. These heavy metals
may accumulate in soil with repeated fertilizer applications. Cadmium (Cd) is the heavy metal of
most concern because it may affect human health. Other heavy metals of possible significance are
arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), lead (Ph), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and vanadium (V). Some
countries have set tolerance limits on heavy-metal additions to soil because their long-term
effects are unknown. These limits usually are set for the tillage layer (surface 20-30 cm) of
soil where most root activity occurs. Controls on heavy-metal concentrations in sewage biosolids
and their maximum total and annual loading rates to soil have been imposed in some countries.
Regulations also have been proposed for phased-in limits on maximum heavy metal concentrations
permitted in P fertilizers, or they are already in effect. Most of the fertilizer regulations
relate Cd limits to P concentrations, so P application rates dictate Cd inputs to soil.
Regulations affecting sewage biosolids include a number of heavy metals, while those concerning P
fertilizers only include limits on Cd at this time. 

biosolids; cadmium; heavy metal limits; lead; phosphate fertilizers; regulations; sewage sludge