Monitoring Water for Cadmium With KETOS SHIELD

KETOS SHIELD provides water operators with monitoring in real time. Sample for cadmium and other heavy metals while lowering your up-front costs for testing water parameters with an industry-leading $0-CAPEX subscription model.

KETOS SHIELD is an award-winning water management solution that provides real-time monitoring for cadmium and 30+ other water testing parameters (including other heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, iron, and more). Monitoring happens via an interoperable, modular system that uploads your data to the cloud for easy 24/7 access from anywhere. This helps water operators gain a holistic understanding of their water quality.

Why Monitor Water for Cadmium with KETOS

Cadmium is a heavy metal that often combines with other substances, including oxygen, sulfur, and chlorine. It is often extracted as a by-product during zinc, lead, and copper production. It’s also used in many consumer products (jewelry, batteries, and metal coatings). Cadmium can leach into water via galvanized pipes, and levels of cadmium in water might be higher in water with low pH, as low pH water can be more corrosive to plumbing systems. It can also get into water due to its use in various industrial processes. Even low levels of exposure to cadmium over time can cause multiple types of health issues in humans. For this reason, the US EPA, FDA, and DWI all limit the maximum amount of cadmium in water to 0.005 mg/L.

What are the Issues with Cadmium in Water?

Cadmium contamination in water sources poses significant environmental and health concerns, necessitating comprehensive understanding and proactive measures to address its impacts. Below are key issues associated with cadmium in water:

• Health Risks: Cadmium is a highly toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems when ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. Chronic exposure to cadmium-contaminated water has been linked to kidney damage, lung diseases, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer development.
• Environmental Pollution: Cadmium pollution in water ecosystems poses a threat to aquatic life and overall environmental health. Accumulation of cadmium in sediments and aquatic organisms can disrupt ecosystems, leading to biodiversity loss and ecological imbalances.
• Industrial Sources: Industrial activities such as mining, smelting, and manufacturing contribute significantly to cadmium contamination of water bodies. Effluents from these industries can release cadmium into waterways, contaminating both surface water and groundwater.
• Agricultural Runoff: Cadmium can also enter water sources through agricultural practices such as the use of cadmium-containing fertilizers and pesticides. Runoff from agricultural fields can carry cadmium into rivers, lakes, and other water bodies, exacerbating contamination.
• Long-Term Persistence: Cadmium is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for extended periods, posing ongoing risks to human health and ecosystems. Once released into water, cadmium can remain in sediments or bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, perpetuating the contamination cycle.
• Regulatory Challenges: Establishing and enforcing regulations to limit cadmium levels in water sources present challenges for governments and regulatory agencies. Balancing industrial interests with public health and environmental protection requires robust monitoring, enforcement, and collaboration among stakeholders.
• Public Awareness and Education: Increasing public awareness about the risks associated with cadmium contamination in water is crucial for fostering informed decision-making and promoting behavior change. Educating communities about the sources, health effects, and prevention measures related to cadmium exposure can empower individuals to take proactive steps to protect themselves and the environment.

How to Easily Monitor Water for Cadmium

Monitoring for cadmium using KETOS is just the beginning. Does your team need more information on how KETOS can help monitor for cadmium and 30+ other water testing parameters? With KETOS, monitoring for cadmium is merely the start. Explore a vast array of capabilities to track over 30 water testing parameters comprehensively. From cadmium to turbidity and beyond, KETOS equips your team with the insights needed to maintain water purity and environmental health.