Phosphate fertilizers contain heavy metals, including Cd, which is potentially toxic to humans, animals and plants. The objective of this study was to assess the bioavailability of Cd contained in phosphate fertilizers. Six phosphate fertilizers (two natural phosphates, two simple superphosphate, a triple superphosphate and a monoammonia phosphate) were selected for the study of bioavailability in a greenhouse experiment, using Avena strigosa as an indicator of the bioavailability of Cd. The Cd was bioavailable in phosphate fertilizers, since it was found in roots and shoots of the oat. The phosphate fertilizers with higher Cd levels increased its accumulation in plants.
trace-element; commercials phosphates; Avena strigosa; heavy metal
