Natural and Anthropogenic Sources of Cadmium in Cacao Crop Soils of Santander, Colombia

Elevated cadmium (Cd) levels in cacao products have been detected a major cacao-producing region of Colombia, with concentrations well above those permitted for export and posing potential threat to human health. Geochemical petrographic analyses fertilizer, soil rocks from three farms were used determine the origin Cd. Parent main source Cd soils, while organic fertilizer may further contributed elevated metal content one farm. High most likely due bioaccumulation, since it was sourced animals same area. Even though pH range, OM presence Mn K diminish bioavailability, extremely high soils results nonetheless significant uptake by plants subsequent accumulation cocoa beans. Traditional methods reduce adsorption, such as addition calcium, will not be effective this case. Instead, selection species that are naturally low accumulators amendment microorganisms mineralization biotransformation capabilities, testing fertilizers before application, could all cost-effective solutions final product.