Table 7.4 - Main anthropogenic sources of diffuse pollution by heavy metals to agricultural land

Source: RIVM, 1992

  Cadmium Copper Lead Zinc
Atmospheric deposition (local and regional) + + +++ +
Pesticides ­ +/++1 ­ +/++1
Manure + ++ + ++
Mineral fertilisers and liming +++ +/++1 + +
Sewage sludge + + + +

Notes: ­ no contribution, + slight contribution, ++ moderate contribution, +++ high contribution.

  1. Large differences between countries occur: copper compounds, for instance, are sometimes registered as fertiliser and sometimes as pesticide; differences also occur between and within countries in distinctions between arable land and grassland.