Abstract
The phosphate shale ores mined from Idaho contain high concentrations of certain trace elements. According to the data compiled by the US Geological Survey (1976), cadmium concentrations in the phosphate ores from this area are significantly high. For example, average cadmium concentration in Meade Peak phosphatic shale ore is 90 ppM with a maximum value up to 800 ppM. In the Bloomington Canyon vanadiferous zone phosphate rock, average cadmium concentration reaches 470 ppM. Phosphate fertilizers produced in this area have also been shown to contain high amounts of cadmium. A recent report by the US Geological Survey (1976) indicates that the concentrations of 14 selected elements in soil increase as the phsophate processing plants at Pocatello are approached. Concentrations of these elements within 1 mile northeast of the plants are generally about twice their concentrations 40 miles away. However, no data for cadmium was given. Since cadmium is a highly toxic trace element, knowledge of its distribution around the phosphate processing plants is essential for environmental considerations. In the summer of 1977, we investigated the distribution of cadmium, lead, and zinc in soil around the two phosphate processing plants outside Pocatello with respect to distance, depth, and wind direction.
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