Quantify Trace Cd and Heavy Metals in Soil Using HDXRF

Soil contamination with heavy metals has become a critical problem in regions with rapid industrialization and economic growth. In agricultural regions where airborne pollution precipitates into the soil, the focus is especially on heavy metals that are readily absorbed by crops, creating a vector for their introduction into the food chain. Cadmium (Cd) is of special interest as a potential carcinogen because of its high mobility in soil with water, and its uptake by grains such as rice and wheat, which are important dietary staples. Measuring agricultural soil for contamination enables intelligent land use decisions that prevent the introduction of Cadmium and other heavy metals in the food supply.