Interactive Effects Of Cadmium Research Articles

Interactive effects of cadmium and titanium dioxide nanoparticles on hepatic tissue in rats: Ameliorative role of coenzyme 10 via modulation of the NF-κB and TNFα pathway

This study investigated the effect of oral dosing of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs) and cadmium (Cd2+) on rat liver and the potential protective role of coenzyme Q10 (CQ10) against TNPs and Cd2+-induced hepatic injury. Seventy male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into seven groups and orally given distilled water, corn oil, CQ10 (10 mg/kg b.wt), TNPs (50 mg/kg b.wt), Cd2+ (5 mg/kg b.wt), TNPs + Cd2+, or TNPs + Cd2++CQ10 by gastric gavage for 60 successive days. The results showed that individual or mutual exposure to TNPs and Cd2+ significantly increased the serum levels of various hepatic enzymes and lipids, depleted the hepatic content of antioxidant enzymes, and increased malondialdehyde. Moreover, the hepatic titanium and Cd2+ content were increased considerably in TNPs and/or Cd2+-exposed rats. Furthermore, marked histopathological perturbations with increased immunoexpression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and nuclear factor kappa B were evident in TNPs and/or Cd2+-exposed rats. However, CQ10 significantly counteracted the damaging effect of combined exposure of TNPs and Cd2+ on the liver. The study concluded that TNPs and Cd2+ exposure harm hepatic function and its architecture, particularly at their mutual exposure, but CQ10 could be a candidate protective agent against TNPs and Cd2+ hepatotoxic impacts.

Physiological Studies on Seedling Growth in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Interactive Effects of Cadmium and Zinc

Physiological Studies on Seedling Growth in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) under Interactive Effects of Cadmium and Zinc

Interactive effects of cadmium and Benzo[a]pyrene in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) during short-term aqueous co-exposure.

Environmental water quality guidelines often work under the assumption that the toxicity of environmental pollutants is identical when present in isolation or in a complex chemical mixture. Thus, there is a crucial gap in our knowledge regarding how these toxicants interact and alter the toxicological effects in aquatic organisms. The present study examined the effects of acute (72-hr) aqueous exposures of Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic non-essential trace metal, and Benzo[a]Pyrene (B[a]P), a prototypical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) in adult zebrafish. Following a range-finding series of individual single-toxicant exposures, a second series was carried out using select concentrations in binary mixture exposures (using 5.8 or 22μg/L for Cd; 0.44 or 1.07μg/L for B[a]P). Our results demonstrated that tissue accumulation of both toxicants increased significantly in the presence of the second toxicant relative to single-toxicant exposures. Cd-only and B[a]P-only single toxicant exposures caused a significant downregulation of cytochrome p4501a (CYP1A1) and metallothionein-2 (MT2) mRNA in the gills, respectively, however binary co-exposures using both toxicants resulted in strong up-regulation of CYP1A1 and MT2. Additionally, co-exposures caused a strong induction of SOD1 and CAT mRNA transcript levels in the gill. The observed increase in body burden and transcript modulation did not translate into additive or more-than-additive toxic effects (oxidative stress) in zebrafish.

Phytoremediation potential of Acorus calamus in soils co-contaminated with cadmium and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Phytoremediation is a promising technology for the remediation of sites co-contaminated with inorganic (heavy metal) and organic pollutants. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the independent and interactive effects of cadmium (Cd) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the growth of the wetland plant Acorus calamus and its ability to uptake, accumulate, and remove pollutants from soils. Our results showed that growth and biomass of A. calamus were significantly influenced by the interaction of Cd and PAHs after 60 days of growth. The combined treatment of low Cd and low PAHs increased plant biomass and Cd accumulation in plant tissues, thus enhancing Cd removal. Dissipation of PAHs from soils was not significantly influenced by Cd addition or by the presence of plants. Correlation analysis also indicated a positive relationship between residual concentrations of phenantherene and pyrene (PAHs), whereas enzyme activities (dehydrogenase and polyphenol oxidase) were negatively correlated with each other. Cluster analysis was used to evaluate the similarity between different treatments during phytoremediation of Cd and PAHs. Our results suggest that A. calamus might be useful for phytoremediation of co-contaminated soil.

Interactive effect of cadmium and zinc on chromium uptake in spinach grown in Vertisol of Central India

A pot culture experiment was conducted to study impact and interaction of multi-metals on growth, yield and metals uptake by spinach (variety All Green). Three levels of each chromium (0, 50 and 100 mg/kg), cadmium (0, 1 and 2 mg/kg) and zinc (0, 10 and 20 mg/kg) in combinations (total treatments 3 × 3 × 3 = 27) were applied in a Vertisol (5 kg). The results showed that increasing the concentration of chromium, cadmium and zinc in soil enhanced the respective metal concentrations in spinach root and shoot. When cadmium at 2 mg/kg along with chromium at 100 mg/kg soil was applied, chromium concentration and uptake were decreased in root and shoot. Meanwhile, zinc application had no significant effect on chromium uptake and concentration in spinach biomass. From the results, it was concluded that cadmium at higher dose had an antagonistic effect over chromium. On the other hand, in chromium, cadmium and zinc combinations particularly at their higher levels, a competition among each other was found. Therefore, the findings could be used as guidelines for controlling and management of heavy metals pollution in farmland.

Interactive effects of cadmium and Microcystis aeruginosa (cyanobacterium) on the growth, antioxidative responses and accumulation of cadmium and microcystins in rice seedlings.

Cadmium pollution and harmful cyanobacterial blooms are two prominent environmental problems. The interactive effects of cadmium(II) and harmful cyanobacteria on rice seedlings remain unknown. In order to elucidate this issue, the interactive effects of cadmium(II) and Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB905 on the growth and antioxidant responses of rice seedling were investigated in this study, as well as the accumulation of cadmium(II) and microcystins. The results showed that the growth of rice seedlings was inhibited by cadmium(II) stress but promoted by inoculation of M. aeruginosa FACHB905. cadmium(II) stress induced oxidative damage on rice seedlings. Inoculation of M. aeruginosa FACHB905 alleviated the toxicity of cadmium(II) on rice seedlings. The accumulation of cadmium(II) in rice seedlings was decreased by M. aeruginosa FACHB905, but the translocation of cadmium(II) from root to shoot was increased by this cyanobacterium. The accumulation of microcystins in rice seedlings was decreased by cadmium(II). Results presented in this study indicated that cadmium(II) and M. aeruginosa had antagonistic toxicity on rice seedlings. The findings of this study throw new light on evaluation of ecological- and public health-risks for the co-contamination of cadmium(II) and harmful cyanobacteria.

Interactive effects of cadmium and copper on metal accumulation, oxidative stress, and mineral composition in Brassica napus

Heavy metals’ frequent occurrence and toxicity caused considerable concerns in assessing the interactive effects of metals on exposed plants. Therefore, a hydroponic study was conducted to assess the growth response and physio-chemical changes in Brassica napus plants under single and combined stress of two environmentally alarming metals (Cd and Cu). Results showed that 15-day metal exposure to different metal concentrations (0, 50, 200 µM) significantly enhanced Cd accumulation, while lesser extent of Cu was observed in plant tissues. Nonetheless, Cu caused more pronounced oxidative damages and plant growth retardation. Both metals showed similar trend of changes in mineral composition, although Cu proved more damaging effect on K and Mn contents, and Cd on Zn contents. In combined treatments, Cd stimulated Cu uptake, notably at low concentration, while its own uptake was restricted by the presence of Cu. At either level of concentration, combined stress of these metals exacerbated plant growth inhibition and caused further oxidative damages compared to their individual stress. However, metals synergistic effects occurred only in conditions where Cu uptake was enhanced by Cd. A greater synergistic effect was observed in sensitive cultivar Zheda 622 as compared to the tolerant cultivar ZS 758. As to mineral composition, no metals synergistic effects were noted. This study highlighted the ecotoxicological significance of Cd-led Cu uptake in B. napus, which was assumed to drive metals’ synergistic toxicity, and showed that the relationship between Cd-led Cu uptake and plant growth responses could vary with respect to cultivar.

Interactive effects of cadmium and pyrene on contaminant removal from co-contaminated sediment planted with mangrove Kandelia obovata (S., L.) Yong seedlings

The interactive effects of cadmium (Cd) and pyrene (Pyr) on contaminant removal from co-contaminated sediment planted with Kandelia obovata were investigated by a pot experiment. We found that dry weight of plant was significantly decreased under high level of Cd–Pyr combined stress. High Pyr caused the increase of Cd toxicity to K. obovata under high Cd stress because more Cd translocated to the plant tissues. Cd toxicity inhibited Pyr degradation in co-contaminated sediments and higher Pyr degradation was found in the rhizosphere than that in the non-rhizosphere sediment under high Cd treatment. The total number of microorganisms in sediments tended to decrease with increasing Cd under Cd–Pyr combined stress and more amount existed in the rhizosphere sediment. In conclusion, Cd and Pyr removal by K. obovata can influence interactions between these two pollutants in co-contaminated sediment. This suggests that this mangrove can effectively remedy sites co-contaminated with these two types of contamination.

Immunomodulation by the interactive effects of cadmium and hypercapnia in marine bivalves Crassostrea virginica and Mercenaria mercenaria

Estuarine organisms are exposed to multiple stressors including large fluctuations in partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) and concentrations of trace metals such as cadmium (Cd) that can affect their survival and fitness. Ocean acidification due to the increasing atmospheric PCO2 leads to a decrease in pH and shifts in the carbonate chemistry of seawater which can change bioavailability and toxicity of metals. We studied the interactive effects of PCO2 and Cd exposure on metal levels, metabolism and immune-related functions in hemocytes of two ecologically and economically important bivalve species, Mercenaria mercenaria (hard shell clam) and Crassostrea virginica (Eastern oyster). Clams and oysters were exposed to combinations of three PCO2 levels (∼400, 800 and 2000 μatm PCO2, corresponding to the present day conditions and the projections for the years 2100 and 2250, respectively) and two Cd concentrations (0 and 50 μg l−1) in seawater. Following four weeks of exposure to Cd, hemolymph of both species contained similar Cd levels (50–70 μg l−1), whereas hemocytes accumulated intracellular Cd burdens up to 15–42 mg l−1, regardless of the exposure PCO2. Clam hemocytes had considerably lower Cd burdens than those of oysters (0.7–1 ng 10−6 cells vs. 4–6 ng 10−6 cells, respectively). Cd exposure suppressed hemocyte metabolism and increased the rates of mitochondrial proton leak in normocapnia indicating partial mitochondrial uncoupling. This Cd-induced mitochondrial uncoupling was alleviated in hypercapnia. Cd exposure suppressed immune-related functions in hemocytes of clams and oysters, and these effects were exacerbated at elevated PCO2. Thus, elevated PCO2 combined with Cd exposure resulted in decrease in phagocytic activity and adhesion capacity as well as lower expression of mRNA for lectin and heat shock protein (HSP70) in clam and oyster hemocytes. In oysters, combined exposure to elevated PCO2 and Cd also led to reduced activity of lysozyme in hemocytes and hemolymph. Overall, our study shows that moderately elevated PCO2 (∼800–2000 μatm PCO2) potentiates the negative effects of Cd on immunity and thus may sensitize clams and oysters to pathogens and diseases during seasonal hypercapnia and/or ocean acidification in polluted estuaries.

PHYTOREMEDIATION POTENTIAL OF MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.) IN CO-CONTAMINATED SOILS WITH PENTACHLOROPHENOL AND CADMIUM

The ubiquitous coexistence of heavy metals and organic contaminants was increased in the polluted soil and phytoremediation as a remedial technology and management option is recommended to solve the problems of co-contamination. Growth of Zea mays L and pollutant removal ability may be influenced by interactions among mixed pollutants. Pot–culture experiments were conduced to investigate the single and interactive effect of cadmium (Cd) and pentachlorophenol (PCP) on growth of Zea mays L, PCP, and Cd removal from soil. Growth response of Zea mays L is considerably influenced by interaction of Cd and PCP, significantly declining with either Cd or PCP additions. The dissipation of PCP in soils was notably affected by interactions of Cd, PCP, and plant presence or absence. At the Pentachlorophenol in both planted and non-planted soil was greatly decreased at the end of the 10-week culture, accounting for 16–20% of initial extractable concentrations in non-planted soil and 9–14% in planted soil. With the increment of Cd level, residual pentachlorophenol in the planted soil tended to increase. The pentachlorophenol residual in the presence of high concentration of Cd was even higher in the planted soil than that in the non-planted soil.

Single and combined effects of cadmium and arsenate in Gammarus pulex (Crustacea, Amphipoda): Understanding the links between physiological and behavioural responses

This study aimed at investigating the individual and interactive effects of cadmium (Cd) and arsenate (AsV) in Gammarus pulex (Crustacea, Amphipoda) through the use of several biomarkers. Individuals were exposed for 240h to two concentrations of AsV or Cd alone, and all the possible binary mixtures of these concentrations of AsV and Cd in a complete factorial design. The pattern of the biomarkers’ responses to Cd and AsV alone or in mixture was similar in Gammarus pulex, even if the response intensity varied depending on the tested conditions. G. pulex responded to contamination with increased mobilization of the detoxification systems [i.e. γ-glutamyl-cystein ligase activity (GCL), reduced glutathione content (GSH) and metallothionein concentrations (MT)]. This response seems to imply changes in energy reserve utilization (total lipids and proteins are used prior to glycogen reserves), but also a possible energy reallocation from locomotion to detoxification processes. The observed increase in lipid peroxidation could be relied to the increasing gammarid mortality, despite the higher mobilization of detoxification systems. Even if the outcome of the complex interactions between AsV and Cd remains difficult to unravel, such studies are critically important for better assessing the effects of stressors on organisms, populations and communities in a multi-contamination context of ecosystems.

Interactive effects of cadmium and acid rain on photosynthetic light reaction in soybean seedlings

Interactive effects of cadmium (Cd2+) and acid rain on photosynthetic light reaction in soybean seedlings were investigated under hydroponic conditions. Single treatment with Cd2+ or acid rain and the combined treatment decreased the content of chlorophyll, Hill reaction rate, the activity of Mg2+-ATPase, maximal photochemical efficiency and maximal quantum yield, increased initial fluorescence and damaged the chloroplast structure in soybean seedlings. In the combined treatment, the change in the photosynthetic parameters and the damage of chloroplast structure were stronger than those of any single pollution. Meanwhile, Cd2+ and acid rain had the interactive effects on the test indices in soybean seedlings. The results indicated that the combined pollution of Cd2+ and acid rain aggravated the toxic effect of the single pollution of Cd2+ or acid rain on the photosynthetic parameters due to the serious damage to the chloroplast structure.

Interactive effects of cadmium and hypoxia on metabolic responses and bacterial loads of eastern oysters Crassostrea virginica Gmelin

Pollution by toxic metals including cadmium (Cd) and hypoxia are important stressors in estuaries and coastal waters which may interactively affect sessile benthic organisms, such as oysters. We studied metabolic responses to prolonged hypoxic acclimation (2 weeks at 5% O 2) in control and Cd-exposed (30 d at 50 μg L −1 Cd) oysters Crassostrea virginica, and analyzed the effects of these stressors on abundance of Vibrio spp. in oysters. Hypoxia-acclimated oysters retained normal standard metabolic rates (SMR) at 5% O 2, in contrast to a decline of SMR observed during acute hypoxia. However, oysters spent more time actively ventilating in hypoxia than normoxia resulting in enhanced Cd uptake and 2.7-fold higher tissue Cd burdens in hypoxia. Cd exposure led to a significant decrease in tissue glycogen stores, increase in free glucose levels and elevated activity of glycolytic enzymes (hexokinase and aldolase) indicating a greater dependence on carbohydrate catabolism. A compensatory increase in activities of two key mitochondrial enzymes (citrate synthase and cytochrome c oxidase) was found during prolonged hypoxia in control oysters but suppressed in Cd-exposed ones. Cd exposure also resulted in a significant increase in abundance of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio vulnificus levels during normoxia and hypoxia, respectively. Overall, Cd- and hypoxia-induced changes in metabolic profile, Cd accumulation and bacterial flora of oysters indicate that these stressors can synergistically impact energy homeostasis, performance and survival of oysters in polluted estuaries and have significant consequences for transfer of Cd and bacterial pathogens to the higher levels of the food chain.

PHYSIOLOGICAL AND BIOCHEMICAL RESPONSES RESULTING FROM CADMIUM AND ZINC ACCUMULATION IN CARROT PLANTS

The interactive effect of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) bioaccumulation on physiological and biochemical characteristics of carrot (Daucus carota L. var Pusa Kesar) plants grown with different levels of Cd and Zn was examined. The combined application of Cd and Zn (Cd+Zn) had synergistic and antagonistic effects at low and high concentrations, respectively, on Cd accumulations in plants, chlorophyll b, and photosynthesis and transpiration rates. Whereas both low and high Cd+Zn concentrations had synergistic effects on Zn accumulation, ascorbic acid, protein content, total phenols, peroxidase activity, chlorophyll a, total, carotenoids and stomatal conductance. Bioaccumulation of Cd had strong and negative relationships with measured physiological and biochemical parameters. The study further showed that Cd and Zn in combination have more toxic effects on carrot plants as compared to their individual treatments. This study concludes that interactive effects of Cd and Zn on test plant depend on their ratios present in plants.

Reciprocal enhancement of uptake and toxicity of cadmium and calcium in rainbow trout ( Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver mitochondria

The interactive effects of cadmium (Cd) and calcium (Ca) on energy metabolism in rainbow trout liver mitochondria were studied to test the prediction that Ca would protect against Cd-induced mitochondrial liability. Isolated rainbow trout liver mitochondria were energized with malate and glutamate and exposed to increasing concentrations (5–100 μM) of Cd and Ca singly and in combination at 15 °C. Accumulation of Cd and Ca in the mitochondria and mitochondrial respiration (oxygen consumption) rates were measured. Additionally, un-energized mitochondria were incubated with low doses (1 μM) of Cd and Ca singly and in combination, with time-course measurements of cation accumulation/binding and oxygen consumption rates. In energized actively phosphorylating mitochondria, the uptake rates of both Cd and Ca were dose-dependent and enhanced when administered concurrently. Upon low-dose incubation, Cd accumulation was rapid and peaked in 5 min, while no appreciable uptake of Ca occurred. Functionally, the resting (state 4, ADP-limited) respiration rate was not affected in the dose–response exposure, but it decreased remarkably on low-dose incubation. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-stimulated respiration (state 3) rate was impaired dose-dependently with maximal inhibitions (at the highest dose, 100 μM) of 32, 64 and 73% for Ca, Cd, and combined exposures, respectively. The combined effects of Ca and Cd suggested synergistic (more than additive) action and partial additivity of effects at low and higher doses of the two cations, respectively. Moreover, on a molar basis, Cd was twice as toxic as Ca to rainbow trout liver mitochondria and when combined, approximately 90% of the effects were attributable to Cd. The coupling efficiency, as measured by respiratory control ratio (RCR) and phosphorylation efficiency, measured as ADP/O ratio, both decreased as the exposure dosage and duration increased. In addition, Cd and Ca exposure decreased mitochondrial proton leak (state 4+ respiration) rates on prolonged exposure possibly by inhibiting processes that generate mitochondrial membrane potential, the force that drives proton leak. Overall these data suggest that the widely accepted theme that Ca and Cd are competitive antagonists does not hold for mitochondrial effects and that Cd and Ca cooperate to impair oxidative phosphorylation in rainbow trout liver mitochondria.

Interactive effects of cadmium and aluminum on growth and antioxidative enzymes in soybean

The effects of Al, Cd and pH on growth, photosynthesis, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and some antioxidant enzyme activities of the two soybean cultivars with different Al tolerance were determined using a hydroponic culture. There were six treatments as follows: pH 6.5; pH 4.0; pH 6.5 + 1.0 µM Cd; pH 4.0 + 1.0 µM Cd; pH 4.0 + 150 µM Al; pH 4.0 + 1.0 µM Cd + 150 µM Al. The results showed that the low pH (4.0) and Al treatments caused marked reduction in the growth (root and shoot length and dry mass), chlorophyll content (SPAD value) and net photosynthetic rate. Higher malondialdehyde content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and peroxidase (POD) activities were detected in the plants exposed to both Al and Cd than in those exposed to Al treatment alone. An expressive enhancement of SOD and POD was observed in the plants exposed to 150 µM Al in the comparison with the control plants, especially in Al-sensitive cv. Zhechun 2 which had also significantly higher Al and Cd content than Al tolerant cv. Liao-1. Cd addition increased Al content in the plants exposed to Al + Cd stress, and cv. Zhechun 2 had relatively lower Al content. The present research indicated that Al and Cd are synergistic in their effects on plant growth and some physiological traits.

Interactive Effects of Cadmium and Zinc on Carrots: Growth and Biomass Accumulation

ABSTRACT An experiment was carried out to assess the single and combined effects of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on growth and component wise biomass accumulation in carrot (Daucus carota L.) plants, grown under natural field conditions. Carrot plants were raised in field and treated with 10 and 100 μ g mL− 1 of Cd, 100 and 300 μ g mL− 1 of Zn singly, and in combination through soil drench. A control was also kept without any treatments of Cd and Zn. The impacts of different treatments of Cd and Zn on carrots were evaluated in terms of number of leaves, leaf area, plant length, and component wise biomass accumulation at different plant ages. Growth indices were also calculated to assess the biomass allocation patterns in carrots. The results showed that the above parameters were significantly affected in carrots treated with Cd and Zn singly and in combination as compared to the control as well as plants treated with 100 μ g mL− 1 of Zn. The results also showed that treatments of Cd and Zn have significant effects on biomass allocation pattern. This study concludes that growth and biomass accumulation in carrots were significantly influenced by the concentration ratios of Cd and Zn in soil/root/stem/ leaves. It is clear from this study that combined treatments of Cd and Zn have more negative impacts on above parameters as compared to their individual treatments.

Interactive effects of cadmium and all-trans-retinoic acid on the induction of forelimb ectrodactyly in C57BL/6 mice

Most toxicological studies have tested single chemical agents at relatively high doses, and fewer studies have addressed the toxic effects of chemical interactions. It is important to understand the toxicity of chemical mixtures in order to assess the more realistic risks of environmental and occupational exposures. A number of chemicals are known to induce a predominantly postaxial forelimb ectrodactyly in C57BL/6 mice, including acetazolamide, ethanol, cadmium, valproic acid, carbon dioxide, dimethadione, phenytoin, and 13-cis-retinoic acid and all-trans-retinoic acid (RA). In the present study, the interactive effects of coadministration of cadmium and RA on developing limbs were investigated. Pregnant C57BL/6 mice were treated with different intraperitoneal (IP) doses of cadmium chloride (CdCl2) and/or RA on gestational day (GD) 9.5, and fetuses were collected on GD 18 and double stained for examination of skeletal defects. When RA was given simultaneously with cadmium, a significant increase in the incidence and severity of forelimb ectrodactyly (predominantly postaxial) was observed compared to the results with corresponding doses of cadmium or RA alone. When mice were exposed to subthreshold doses of both cadmium (0.5 mg/kg) and RA (1 mg/kg), the combined treatment exceeded the threshold, resulting in forelimb ectrodactyly in 19% of the fetuses. Moreover, coadministration of cadmium and RA at doses exceeding the respective thresholds showed a synergistic effect, that is, 92% of fetuses were found with the forelimb defect as opposed to 10% if the response were additive. The findings demonstrate that concurrent exposure to these teratogens can have a synergistic effect and that subteratogenic doses may combine to exceed a threshold.

Interactive Effect of Cadmium and Gibberellic Acid on Metabolic Constituents of Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.) Plant

Interactive Effect of Cadmium and Gibberellic Acid on Metabolic Constituents of Cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.) Plant

Cadmium Uptake by Cowpea and Mungbean as Affected by Cd and P Application

A green house experiment was conducted to determine the interactive effects of cadmium (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 mg Cd kg-1 soil) and phosphorus (0, 20 and 40 mg P kg-1 soil) on dry matter yield of cowpea and mungbean, and tissue concentration and uptake of cadmium (Cd) and Phosphorus (P). Application of Cd to soil decreased the dry matter yield of both the crops significantly at each level of applied P. Phosphorus application, on the other hand, increased the dry matter yield of both crops significantly at each level of Cd additions to the soil. Cadmium concentration in plant tissue and uptake of Cd by plants increased markedly with the increasing rates of Cd in the soil. The magnitude of increase in tissue Cd concentration, however, was higher in the absence than in the presence of added P. Consequently, the concentration of Cd in plants decreased with increasing levels of P application to the soil. This decrease in tissue Cd concentration with increasing P supply in the soil was mainly attributed to increased dry matter yield of crops. The concentration of P in cowpea and mungbean tissue increased while the uptake of P by these crops decreased markedly with increasing levels of Cd in the soil, irrespective of the rates of P applied.