Zusammenfassende Darstellung des Kenntnisstandes zu Cadmiumstoffströmen in der Bundesrepublik

Inputs into the flow of cadmium in the Federal Republic of Germany are caused on the one hand by the production and manufacture of this metal and its compounds and by the intentional use in products. On the other hand, substantial inputs result from the natural occurrence of cadmium in fossile fuels and in different mineral raw materials. The flow of cadmium for the years 1980, 1986 and 1989 shows that the cadmium emissions into air and water have been reduced during the last 10 years. The intentional use of cadmium in products has been markedly reduced as well - except in the field of batteries. The zinc foundries and the production of cadmium play a particular role in the flow of cadmium concerning the disposal and recycling of cadmium-containing residues of the non-ferrous metal industry and the iron and steel industry. An "interconnected system " of the residues has led to a reduction of cadmium emissions and cadmium contents in non-ferrous metals and to a restrained deposition of cadmium-containing waste. Furthermore it can be deduced from the flow of cadmium that the inputs and fates of the heavy metal as a naturally occuring impurity in fossile fuels and mineral raw materials of the iron and steel industry and the nonnmetallic mineral industry will not differ markedly in the near future. A substantial input is still caused by the application of phosphate fertilizers.