Modelling cadmium flows in Australia on the basis of a substance flow analysis

This paper, which is an extension of the Suphaphat Kwonpongsagoon’s PhD thesis (2006), investigates a stationary model designed to evaluate substance flows for a case study of cadmium (Cd) in Australia. It covers the mining industry, the production and use of goods for agriculture, construction and households as well as the environmental sectors of agriculture, surface water and landfills. The model is calibrated with Cd flow data obtained in a previous study. The results of the calibrated model are consistent with those of other studies from other countries. Possible measures and options to reduce the Cd flows to various environmental sectors are discussed by applying sensitivity analysis and parameter variations to the calibrated model. As “agriculture” was used to illustrate one of the most important processes discussed in this paper, the results show that the most effective measures are the reduction of the Cd content in fertilizers and of atmospheric Cd deposition. It is concluded that a mathematical model is very useful for understanding a system that is crucial for environmental management.