Heavy metals - the full picture, national, international and local

Abstract

There is renewed scrutiny of the possible risks posed by heavy metals in fertilisers both in Australia and internationally. To a large degree this has come about, not because of the declining quality of manufactured fertiliser products, but through the use of industrial wastes and by-products on land with claims for a fertilisation value of these materials. Media interest and activity in these practices, followed by reviews and re-assessment by regulators, has led to tightening of guidelines and regulations for use of poor quality fertiliser materials in agriculture.