Analysis of cadmium sources in surface soil in typical karst regions: Anthropogenic input contribution and atmospheric transport impact

Key Points

• Cadmium concentrations in surface soil are significantly influenced by atmospheric transport, indicating a broader pollution issue.
• Atmospheric transport contributed substantially to anthropogenic cadmium input, with a notable increase observed in specific areas.
• Analysis using soil sampling and air quality data demonstrated clear links between cadmium levels and transport patterns.
• The findings highlight the importance of understanding atmospheric influences on soil pollutants like cadmium.