A substance flow analysis in the southern hemisphere: cadmium in the Australian economy

This article analyses the flow of cadmium through the Australian economy during the one-year period, 1998–1999 using material flow analysis (MFA) or substance flow analysis (SFA) as a framework. MFA/SFA can provide a holistic picture of resource use and loss through a geographic region in a specific year, allowing all material/substance inflows, outflows, and stocks through each sub-compartment in the economy to be examined. The results of the study were visualized and presented in diagrams, including an aggregate diagram of the economic system. Existing data from a large variety of sources was utilised to complete all cadmium flows within the Australian economy. Some assumptions and judgments were made in order to determine the cadmium flows in each operation and application stage. Australian cadmium sources are linked to the resources of zinc, lead, copper, iron, limestone and gypsum. A large accumulation of cadmium can result from on-site waste treatment arising from industrial facilities and household-waste landfills. Atmospheric deposition, phosphate fertilisers and animal manure have been identified as other significant inputs to agricultural soils, especially at some polluted areas near industrial facilities. The measurement, analysis and control of the cadmium flows in Australia are therefore considered on the basis of these abundant resources, certain commodities and agricultural inputs. The SFA analysis presented is a useful tool in the development of a cadmium management policy suited to the Australian economy and the receiving environment.