Cd and Zn in atmospheric deposit, soil, wheat, and milk

Continuous air quality monitoring in the Vojvodina district of Serbia and Montenegro has shown high levels of Cd, especially in the outskirts of large towns such as Kikinda. The construction and metal processing industries located in Kikinda have been emitting significant amounts of heavy metals into the environment. The levels of Cd and Zn were monitored in the region of Kikinda and compared to their concentrations detected in Novi Sad, the capital of Vojovodina, where emission of heavy metals originated mostly from vehicle traffic. The study was performed during the economic sanctions when industrial production decreased drastically. The consequence of that was a significant decrease of the concentration of Cd and Zn in atmospheric deposits. Data collected during 3 years indicated a direct influence of atmospheric deposits on heavy metal distribution in the chain soil-cattle feed-milk. Decreased Cd concentrations of 93% in atmospheric deposits in the Kikinda region resulted in decreased Cd concentrations of 17% in cattle feeds and 13% in milk. Decreased Zn concentrations of 58% in atmospheric deposits caused reduced Zn concentrations of 30% in soil, 17% in cattle feeds, and 17% in milk.