Immunochromatography for the rapid determination of cadmium concentrations in wheat grain and eggplant

BACKGROUND: A simple and quick on‐site test for trace levels of cadmium (Cd) in food is needed because of the human toxicity of this heavy metal. We developed an immunochromatography kit which uses the antigen‐antibody complex reaction between the Cd–ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Cd–EDTA) complex and an anti‐Cd–EDTA antibody. We previously reported the successful use of this kit to determine Cd concentrations in brown rice with respect to the international standard: 0.4 mg kg^?1. Here, we measured, using this immunochromatography kit, Cd concentrations in crops with lower international standards than rice. RESULTS: Cadmium extracted with 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl from wheat grain and fresh eggplant was purified sufficiently using an ion‐exchange column treatment. Appropriate HCl extraction rates and dilution rates for the column eluate were selected; Cd concentrations in wheat grain and fresh eggplant were determined successfully by immunochromatography with respect to the international standards of 0.2 mg kg^?1 and 0.05 mg kg^?1 fresh weight, respectively. CONCLUSION: Approximate Cd concentrations in wheat grain and fresh eggplant can be monitored easily and quickly by this method at locations where facilities for acid digestion and precision analysis are not available. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of Cd on the growth,dry matter accumulation and grain yield of different rice cultivars

Pot soil experiments showed that there were great variations among six rice cultivars in their tolerance to soil Cd stress, with respect to tillering, plant height, leaf area, dry matter accumulation and grain yield. Some cultivars were highly tolerant of Cd and showed little toxicity under high levels of soil Cd stress (100 mg kg^?1), while others were much more sensitive. Roots were not necessarily more sensitive than above‐ground parts, but the diversities among rice cultivars with regard to the relative changes in dry matter accumulation under soil Cd stress were greater in roots than those observed in straw and grain. The toxicity effects of Cd on rice growth and development lessened as plants grew and matured, indicating that rice plants show adaptation and growth compensation in response to soil Cd stress during prolonged exposure. The relative change in the number of grains per panicle showed a strong positive correlation with relative change in grain yield and, of the four grain yield components measured (panicles per pot; grains per panicle; filled grain percentage; weight per grain), it appeared to be the one most influenced by Cd stress. Thus the reduction of grains per panicle is the main cause of grain yield loss under soil Cd stress. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Genotypic variation of iron partitioning in rice grain

The present study investigates the variation of Fe concentration and partitioning in different grain tissues, particularly in the endosperm (white rice) among different rice cultivars from diverse genetic backgrounds. Iron concentration ranged from 10 to 20 mg kg^?1 in brown rice and 3–11 mg kg^?1 in white rice. Iron concentration in white rice was not correlated with that in brown rice. Polishing removed 25–84% of Fe from the brown rice, resulting in a low Fe concentration in the white rice and changed the ranking order for Fe concentration among the cultivars tested. Total Fe content in the whole grain including husk (r = 0.28, NS) and total Fe content in brown rice (r = 0.09, NS) was not significantly correlated with Fe concentration in white rice. Iron content in white rice was found to vary between 0.05 and 0.2 µg grain^?1 among cultivars tested, with the highest Fe content in cv. Sakha. Iron concentration in white rice was negatively correlated with total Fe content in the bran fraction, which is lost during the polishing process to produce white rice from brown rice (r = ? 0.82**). The partitioning of Fe between the endosperm and bran seemed to play a key role in achieving high Fe concentration in the white rice. The surface cell layers of the caryopsis appeared to be the main resistance of Fe partitioning into the endosperm (white rice) as there was a significantly negative correlation between Fe concentration in the white rice and Fe content in the bran, which is lost during the polishing process. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effects of phosphorus and zinc fertilizer on cadmium uptake and distribution in flax and durum wheat

Cadmium accumulation in crops presents a potential risk to human health. To understand the difference between dicotyledonous and monocotyledonous species in respect of Cd accumulation, and to develop fertilizer management practices to minimise Cd uptake, a growth chamber study was conducted to evaluate the interactive effects of Cd concentration in phosphate and Zn fertilizer on Cd uptake in flax (Linum usitatissimum L) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L). Cadmium concentration was higher in flax than durum wheat shoots. Cadmium concentration was lower and Zn concentration higher in the flax seed and durum wheat grain than in the root, shoot or straw of both species. These results suggest that flax has comparatively ineffective barriers discriminating against the transport of Cd from the root to the shoot via the xylem, and that both crops may restrict Cd translocation to the seed/grain via the phloem. Commercial grade monoammonium phosphate (NH₄H₂PO₄) or triple superphosphate (Ca(H₂PO₄)₂) produced higher seed Cd concentrations than did reagent grade P in flax but not in durum wheat. Application of P significantly decreased seed/grain Zn concentration and increased seed/grain Cd concentration. Zinc addition at 20 mg Zn kg^?1 soil with P decreased seed/grain Cd concentration (average 42.2% for flax, 65.4% for durum wheat), Cd accumulation (average 37.2% for flax, 62.4% for durum wheat) and Cd translocation to the seed/grain (average 20.0% for flax, 34.5% for durum wheat) in both crops. These results indicate that there is an antagonistic effect of Zn on Cd for root uptake and distribution within the plant. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Phytoavailability, human risk assessment and transfer characteristics of cadmium and zinc contamination from urban gardens in Kano, Nigeria

BACKGROUND: Quantitative data about phytoavailability and transfer into consumed plant parts for heavy metals in intensively managed urban vegetable production areas of sub‐Saharan Africa are scarce. We therefore studied the transfer of zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) from soil to the root and subsequent translocation to edible portions of four vegetables in six urban gardens. RESULTS: While respective diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA)‐available Zn and Cd concentrations ranged from 18 to 66 mg kg^?1 and from 0.19 to 0.35 mg kg^?1, respectively, in soils, total Zn and Cd were 8.4–256 mg kg^?1 and 0.04–1.7 mg kg^?1 in shoot parts. Metal transfer factor (MTF) ratios were higher in Zn (0.2–0.9) than in Cd (0.1–0.6). Our data suggest that total Zn concentration in soil is a reliable indicator to assess its transfer from soil to crop in lettuce, carrot and parsley, while for Cd DTPA‐extractable concentration may be used to estimate soil–crop transfer of Cd in amaranthus and carrot. Overall, Cd was more easily translocated to the aerial plant parts than Zn. CONCLUSION: Zinc and Cd accumulation by vegetables in our soils is mainly a metabolically controlled process. Such accumulation can contaminate the ecosystem but under our conditions intake and ingestion of these metals will likely have to occur over a prolonged period to experience health hazard. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Toxic and micronutrient elements in organic,brown and polished rice in Brazil

Concentration levels of As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Tl, Sn, Sb Co, Cu, Mn, Se, Zn, Cr, Ni and Mo in different types of rice cultivated in irrigated fields in Brazil were evaluated. Arsenic, Cd, Pb, Zn, Mn and Cu were found in higher concentrations in brown rice samples, suggesting the prevalence of these elements in the bran. Meanwhile, lower concentrations of Pb, Mo, Cr, Se and Co were found in parboiled rice. Organic rice did not differ of cultivated conventionally rice. Thallium, Hg and Sb were not detected in any rice sample whose limits of detection were 0.7 μg kg^?1, 2.5 μg kg^?1 and 8 μg kg^?1, respectively. The concentrations of the investigated elements were compared with those reported for polished rice and brown rice from other countries, unveiling concentrations in general at the same level for rice produced at non-contaminated sites.     

Survey of iron,zinc, calcium,copper, lead,and cadmium in rice samples grown in Iran

In the present study ninety nine polished white rice samples were collected in three areas, all over Lorestan Province located in the west of Iran, and analysed for six elements by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). For individual elements, Zinc (Zn) showed the highest concentration among the analysed essential elements with a mean of 28.6 mg kg^?1 and next to copper (Cu) of 22.8 mg kg^?1. Analysis of the essential and toxic elements for possible inter-area variation by ANOVA showed that there are significant differences between the areas. There was no significant difference between areas for Zn concentrations. Most of the samples nearly contained world wide average concentration of iron (Fe) and Zn in rice grains that were reported by various researches. But, the content of calcium (Ca) in the rice samples produced in Lorestan Province were much lower than other countries, meanwhile Cu concentrations were much higher than other studies. Cadmium (Cd) and Lead (Pb) concentrations in the sampled rice were lower in comparison with their upper limits (0.1 and 0.2 mg kg^?1 for Cd and Pb, respectively) approved by Iranian Ministry of Health. Therefore, it can be concluded that there is no health problems result from Lorestan rice consumption, for these two elements.     

Validation and quantification of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in rice whole grain and rice straw using LC-MS/MS

An efficient analytical method was developed and validated using a modified QuEChERS method and LC-MS/MS for the detection and quantification of neonicotinoid insecticide residues in rice whole grain and rice straw. The samples were extracted using acetonitrile and cleaned up by dispersive solid-phase extraction. Validation based on five fortification levels showed good recoveries of neonicotinoids ranging from 75% to 116 % and 60% to 105 % for rice whole grain and straw, respectively. The precision ranged between 3% and 17 %, and 2% and 10 % for grain and straw, respectively. The limit of detection was from 0.007 to 0.0084 mg kg^?1 and 0.005 to 0.15 mg kg^?1 and the limit of quantification was in the range of 0.024–0.028 mg kg^?1 and 0.016–0.051 mg kg^?1 for rice whole grain and rice straw, respectively. Monitoring of farm gate samples indicated that, out of 24 samples, 1 rice whole grain sample was contaminated with thiamethoxam residues (0.07 mg kg^?1).     

Sensitive determination of cadmium in brown rice and spinach by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with solid-phase extraction

A sensitive flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) method was developed for the determination of cadmium (Cd) in brown rice and spinach. The method involves extraction with 1?M hydrochloric acid (HCl), followed by a selective pre-concentration by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The pH of the loading sample solution was adjusted to 4.0 for the brown rice and to 5.0 for the spinach. The masking agents, tartrate and citrate, were required for the spinach before pH adjustment. The SPE step achieved a 20-fold enrichment of the sample solution. The limits of quantification (LOQs) were 0.0054?mg?kg^?1 for the brown rice and 0.0022?mg?kg^?1 for the spinach, being more sensitive than those of AOAC Official method 999.10. A single-laboratory validation was performed by testing spiked samples at 0.04 and 0.08?mg?kg^?1 for the brown rice, and 0.02 and 0.04?mg?kg^?1 for the spinach. The average recoveries were 93.3–96.9% with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 4.1–8.2% for brown rice, and 90.5–91.9% with RSDs of 5.8–10.0% for spinach.     

Elements in rice from the Swedish market: 1. Cadmium,lead and arsenic (total and inorganic)

A survey of the levels of cadmium, lead and arsenic in different types of rice available on the Swedish retail market was carried out in 2001–03. The types of rice included long and short grain, brown, white, and parboiled white rice. The mean levels found were as follows: total As: 0.20 mg kg^?1, inorganic As: 0.11 mg kg^?1; Cd: 0.024 mg kg^?1; and Pb: 0.004 mg kg^?1. ICP-MS was used for the determination of As (total and inorganic) after acid digestion. Lead and cadmium were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) after dry ashing. In countries where rice is a staple food, it may represent a significant contribution in relation to the provisional tolerable weekly intake for Cd and inorganic As.     

Alternate wetting and moderate soil drying increases grain yield and reduces cadmium accumulation in rice grains

BACKGROUND: Rice is the most important staple food in Asia but has also been identified as one of the major sources of cadmium (Cd) intakes for some Asian population. This study investigated whether grain yield could be maintained but Cd in grains be reduced through proper irrigation management when rice was grown in Cd‐contaminated soil. RESULTS: Compared to the well watered treatment, the alternate wetting and moderate soil drying (MD, re‐watered when soil water potential decreased to ?20 kPa) increased grain yield by 10–12% and improved milling and appearance quality of rice when grown in a soil containing a water‐soluble Cd content of 18 g kg^?1. An alternate wetting and severe soil drying (SD, re‐watered when soil water potential decreased to ?40 kPa) showed an opposite effect. Both MD and SD significantly increased Cd content in roots while they reduced it in the straw. MD reduced Cd content by 19–21% in the grain and by 40% in milled rice. The SD significantly increased Cd content in the grain but reduced it in milled rice. CONCLUSION: An alternate wetting and moderate soil drying could increase rice yield and quality and also reduce Cd in the diet of rice. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Simplified method for determining cadmium concentrations in rice foliage and soil by using a biosensor kit with immunochromatography

BACKGROUND: The behavior of cadmium in ecosystems needs to be monitored because of the human toxicity of this heavy metal. The need recently arose for a simple and quick on‐site test for trace levels of Cd in food and environmental samples. In response, an immunochromatographic assay kit for detecting Cd was manufactured by Kansai Electric Power Co. of Japan. This kit uses the antigen–antibody complex reaction between the Cd–EDTA complex and an anti‐Cd–EDTA antibody and shows the results in terms of the degree of color developed on a test paper. We previously reported the successful use of this kit to determine Cd concentrations in brown rice. Here, we applied the kit to the determination of Cd concentrations in rice foliage and soil. RESULTS: Cadmium in rice foliage was not extracted successfully by the method used for brown rice. However, it was successfully extracted by 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl solution at a rice foliage:HCl ratio of 1:20, and coexisting metals were removed sufficiently by the column treatment. The Cd concentrations determined by immunochromatographic assay were well correlated with the values obtained by acid decomposition and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl‐extractable Cd concentration in soil was also determined successfully with the kit. CONCLUSION: Approximate Cd concentrations in rice plants and 0.1 mol L^?1 HCl‐extractable Cd concentrations in soil can be monitored easily and quickly by this method at locations where facilities for acid digestion and precision analysis are not available. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Strikingly high content of grain protein in solution‐cultured rice

A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the nutritional quality of solution‐cultured rice. Five rice cultivars, different in grain amylose content and protein content, were grown under 10, 40 and 80 mg l^?1 nitrogen levels during the period of July 2003 to October 2003. In comparison to their original seeds, the solution‐cultured rice Oryza sativa L grain had strikingly higher protein content across all the cultivars and nitrogen levels, and remarkably lower amylose content in the waxy and low amylose cultivars, which might be due to the sufficiently stable nitrogen supply and well‐controlled temperature and humidity. The highest grain protein content was 163.6 g kg^?1 in this experiment, which is the highest reported rice grain protein content. The residual nitrogen concentration was greater than 12.39 g kg^?1 in the roots, 8.95 g kg^?1 in the stems, and 21.97 g kg^?1 in the flag leaves across all the cultivars and nitrogen treatments at harvesting. The rice grain had a narrow range of grain carbon content and hydrogen content. The average grain carbon and hydrogen contents for all the rice samples were 42.95 ± 0.15 (n = 60) and 6.81 ± 0.04 g kg^?1 (n = 60), respectively. The solution cultured rice grain was characterized with lower carbon–nitrogen mole ratio and lower hydrogen–nitrogen mole ratio, which could be mainly attributed to the increased protein content. The response of plant nitrogen, grain protein and amylose concentration to the supplemental nitrogen level varied with the cultivars. The results in this study suggested that solution culture technology could improve the production potential of rice. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Can iron and zinc in rice grains (Oryza sativa L.) be biofortified with nitrogen fertilisation under pot conditions?

BACKGROUND: Because only grain yield has been investigated, the influence of fertilisation by N on the concentration of Fe and Zn in polished rice has been overlooked in China. So, using the rice cultivars of the indica Zhenong 952 and the japonica Bing 98110, pot experiments were conducted to investigate the amounts of N fertiliser (applied as urea at rates of 0, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 g N pot^?1) that would lead to the optimum Fe and Zn concentrations in polished rice as well as grain yield. RESULTS: For Zhenong 952, the optimal Fe and Zn concentration as well as grain yield was attained at a N application of 1.00 g pot^?1; for Bing 98110 the optimum N was 1.50 g pot^?1. The ratio of Zn deposited in brown rice was about 40% of the total Zn in the plant irrespective of N application. However, Fe was only about 3%. Fe concentration in brown rice was approximately one‐half of the rice husk, one‐fifth of the peduncles, and one‐tenth of the leaves, and a little more than 1% of the root. CONCLUSION: The optimum N application, alone, on rice crops could increase Fe concentration in polished rice, but had an adverse effect for Zn. Fe appeared not to be as easily accumulated into rice seeds as was Zn. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

Total mercury in milled rice and brown rice from China and health risk evaluation

Total mercury (THg) levels in 440 pairs of milled rice samples and brown rice samples from 15 major rice grain-producing provinces of China were measured and the associated health risk via rice consumption for different age categories of Chinese population was also assessed. THg contents were measured by a direct mercury analyser and the limit of detection (LOD) was 1.5 μg kg^?1. The THg levels for milled rice samples and brown rice samples varied from non-detected to 17.8 μg kg^?1 and 1.5 to 25.4 μg kg^?1, respectively, with a mean level of 3.4 μg kg^?1 and 4.9 μg kg^?1, respectively. The THg levels in all milled and brown rice samples were generally low, except three brown rice samples having concentrations above the legally set value for cereals (20 μg kg^?1 Hg). THg intakes for different age categories were estimated according to THg content and corresponding rice consumption and the associated health risk was evaluated by the corresponding provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) for THg (5.0 μg kg^?1 bw week^?1), which was established by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA). The 50th percentile of the THg intakes via milled rice and brown rice consumption for different age categories was in the range 0.09–0.19 μg kg^?1 bw week^?1 and 0.14–0.27 μg kg^?1 bw week^?1, respectively, well below the PTWI, suggesting that the associated health risk is relatively low. However, the 99.9th percentile of the THg intakes for 2–4-year-old children amounted up to 20.6% of the PTWI (milled rice) and 29.5% of the PTWI (brown rice), which deserves attention.     

Rice kernel phenolic content and its relationship with antiradical efficiency

Plant phenolics exert beneficial effects on human health and may also prevent oxidative deterioration of food. Two field experiments were carried out for characterising phenolics in rice. The first assay was conducted in 1999 and 2000 in Beaumont, TX and included five light‐brown, two purple and 10 red pericarp coloured cultivars. ‘Bran colour’ was highly statistically significant for both bran phenolic concentration and antiradical efficiency (p < 0.001). ‘Year’ and its interaction with bran colour were not significant for the analysed traits, suggesting that seasonal differences and their interactions may not affect phenolic content or antiradical efficiency. The accessions ranged from 3.1 to 45.4 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) g^?1 bran and from 10.0 to 345.3 µM trolox equivalents (TE) g^?1 bran for total phenolic content and antiradical efficiency respectively. The light‐brown bran genotypes exhibited the lowest values for phenolic content and antiradical efficiency, whereas red bran ones displayed ca 10 times higher total phenolic content and more than 50 times higher tannin content than light‐brown ones. The two purple lines showed either low or high values for the studied traits. Antiradical efficiency of rice bran extracts was highly positively correlated with total phenolic content (r = 0.99***), suggesting that phenolics are the main compounds responsible for the free radical‐scavenging activity in rice bran extracts. In the second field experiment (Stuttgart, AR, 2001 and Beaumont, TX, 2000), 133 coloured rice cultivars were analysed for total phenolic content in whole grain. The accessions showed a large variation for total phenolics, ranging from 0.69 to 2.74 mg GAE g^?1 grain. The data confirmed previous results suggesting bran colour as the main factor affecting phenolic concentration in rice kernel and seasonal effects and their interactions as not significant. The results also confirm that within red and purple bran groups can be found the highest phenolic concentrations in rice kernel. Published in 2004 for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Essential elements and contaminants in tissues of commercial pelagic fish from the Eastern Mediterranean Sea

BACKGROUND: It is important to determine the concentrations of essential and non‐essential metals in fish for human health. The essential elements and contaminants (Pb and Cd) were determined seasonally in the muscle and liver of some pelagic fish species round herring (Etrumeus teres), chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus), golden grey mullet (Liza aurata) and Mediterranean horse mackerel (Trachurus mediterraneus) from the Iskenderun Bay, Eastern Mediterranean Sea. RESULTS: The Na, K, Ca and Mg were the most abundant elements in muscle and liver tissues. The Na, K, Ca and Mg concentrations in fish tissues were between 51.7 and 3426 mg kg^?1. Muscle accumulated the lowest levels of elements. Trace element and contaminant levels in muscle were highest in spring and summer. The Cu, Zn and Cr concentrations were highest in summer. The Ni, Mn and Fe concentrations were highest in spring. The maximum Pb concentrations in the muscle and liver of fish species was 0.39 and 0.80 mg kg^?1 in autumn. The maximum Cd concentration in the muscle of fish was 0.27 mg kg^?1 in spring and the maximum Cd concentration in the liver was 0.78 mg kg^?1 in summer. CONCLUSION: The Cr, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn levels in muscle were found to be lower than permissible limits reported by various authorities. Estimated weekly and daily intake for Pb and Cd by consumption of fish muscle were far below the PTWI and PTDI values established by FAO/WHO. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry     

Elements in rice on the Swedish market: Part 2. Chromium,copper, iron,manganese, platinum,rubidium, selenium and zinc

A survey of the levels of some essential and non-essential trace elements in different types of rice available on the Swedish retail market was carried out in 2001–03. The types of rice included long and short grain, brown, white, and parboiled white. The mean levels found were: chromium (Cr)?=?0.008 mg kg^?1, copper (Cu)?=?1.9 mg kg^?1, iron (Fe)?=?4.7 mg kg^?1, manganese (Mn)?=?16 mg kg^?1, platinum (Pt)?<?0.0003 mg kg^?1, rubidium (Rb)?=?3.3 mg kg^?1, selenium (Se) =0.1 mg kg^?1; and zinc (Zn)?=?15 mg kg^?1. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for the determination of Pt, Rb, and Se, after acid digestion. All other elements were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after dry ashing. Intake calculations were performed and it was concluded that rice may contribute considerably to the daily requirements of the essential elements Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn if rice consumption is high. The levels of some elements, e.g. Fe and Mn, were significantly higher in brown compared with white rice.     

Cadmium content in fresh and canned squid (Loligo opalescens) from the Pacific coastal waters of California (USA)

Cadmium (Cd) levels were determined in 70 samples of mantle tissue and 70 whole individual squid (Loligo opalescens; commercially known as California squid). Samples were collected from the coastal zones of California (USA) during the period 2007/2008. To further investigate consumer exposure to processed fishery products, cadmium concentration was also determined in 200 canned samples of squid. Cd concentrations in raw mantle were low, between 0.01 and 0.29 mg kg^?1 and below the tolerance limit of current regulations (1 mg kg^?1). Respective concentrations in whole individuals were significantly higher, ranging from 0.51 to 1.18 mg kg^?1, attributed to the presence of the visceral portion in whole squid samples. Cd concentrations varied in relation to age and sex of squid, indicating that several physiological factors may influence accumulation. Furthermore, canning of squid substantially enhanced Cd levels. Cd concentration ranged 0.17–0.67 mg kg^?1 in canned mantle tissue and 0.86–2.07 mg kg^?1 in canned whole squid samples, due to both concentration after canning and movement of the metal between different tissues. Several biological compounds, including metallothioneins, nucleic acids and enzymes, may affect Cd concentrations in commercial fishery products.     

Effect of phosphate source,rate and cadmium content and use of Penicillium bilaii on phosphorus,zinc and cadmium concentration in durum wheat grain

Field studies were conducted over 3 years at several locations in Alberta and Manitoba, Canada to evaluate the impact of phosphate fertiliser containing varying concentrations of Cd on grain yield and P, Zn and Cd concentration in durum wheat grain. The effect of a seed treatment with Penicillium bilaii, a phosphate‐solubilising fungus, was also examined. P bilaii had little effect on crop yield, nutrient concentration or the concentration of Cd in the grain under the conditions of this study. Fertilisation with monoammonium phosphate consistently increased Cd concentration and Cd/Zn ratio and decreased Zn concentration in durum wheat. Increases in Cd concentration in durum wheat were unrelated to Cd concentration in the fertiliser, although the concentration of Cd in the fertiliser sources varied from 0.2 to 186.0 µg g^?1. Increased Cd concentration with phosphate application may be related to high ionic strength, reduced pH and enhanced root proliferation in the microregion around the fertiliser granules. Enhanced root development in response to phosphate fertilisation may increase the accumulation of Cd. Reduction in Zn accumulation associated with phosphate application may also contribute to the increase in Cd concentration in durum grain, possibly through enhancement of Cd translocation to the grain. While reduction in Cd concentration in phosphate fertilisers will reduce long‐term Cd accumulation in soils, use of low‐Cd fertiliser at commercially practical levels of fertilisation is unlikely to reduce Cd concentration in durum wheat in the year of application. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry