Cadmium occurs in the earth’s crust at a concentration of 0.1–0.5 ppm and is commonly associated with zinc, lead, and copper ores. It is also a natural constituent of ocean water with average levels between <5 and 110 ng/L, with higher levels reported near coastal areas and in marine phosphates and phosphorites. The cadmium concentration of natural surface water and groundwater is usually <1 μg...