Impact of Soil Cadmium Contamination on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Concentration in Various Rice Varieties and Associated Health Risks

Abstract Cadmium is primarily acquired through food, leading to severe health issues in humans. A pot experiment investigated the impacts of varying cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on productivity and nutrient concentrations in six distinct rice varieties, including Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Binadhan-14, BRRI dhan50, BRRI dhan58, and a local variety. After harvesting, data on growth and yield parameters were recorded, and nutrient concentrations were analysed. Cadmium significantly declined plant height, tillering ability, grains/pot, 100-grain weight, and total yields. The grain production decreased by 6.58% in BRRI dhan50 to 26.73% in Binadhan-10 with 20 mg/kg Cd treatment. BRRI dhan58 yielded the highest, followed by BRRI dhan50 and Binadhan-8, with 20 mg/kg Cd application to the soil. Cadmium application increased the grain Cd level while reducing N, P, K, and S content. Binadhan-8 had the minimum (0.270 mg/kg) grain Cd level while Kheyali boro showed the maximum (0.480 mg/kg) with 20 mg/kg Cd. Rice varieties grown with 0 mg/kg Cd addition in soil had no cancer risk for adult Bangladeshis but those cultivated in Cd-contaminated soils (10 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil) exhibited carcinogenic risk. However, further field studies with different varieties and Cd levels are imperative for conclusive insights.