Abstract
Cadmium is primarily acquired through food, leading to severe health issues in humans. A pot experiment investigated the impacts of varying cadmium (Cd) levels (0, 10 and 20 mg/kg) on productivity and nutrient concentrations in six distinct rice varieties, including Binadhan-8, Binadhan-10, Binadhan-14, BRRI dhan50, BRRI dhan58, and a local variety. After harvesting, data on growth and yield parameters were recorded, and nutrient concentrations were analysed. Cadmium significantly declined plant height, tillering ability, grains/pot, 100-grain weight, and total yields. The grain production decreased by 6.58% in BRRI dhan50 to 26.73% in Binadhan-10 with 20 mg/kg Cd treatment. BRRI dhan58 yielded the highest, followed by BRRI dhan50 and Binadhan-8, with 20 mg/kg Cd application to the soil. Cadmium application increased the grain Cd level while reducing N, P, K, and S content. Binadhan-8 had the minimum (0.270 mg/kg) grain Cd level while Kheyali boro showed the maximum (0.480 mg/kg) with 20 mg/kg Cd. Rice varieties grown with 0 mg/kg Cd addition in soil had no cancer risk for adult Bangladeshis but those cultivated in Cd-contaminated soils (10 and 20 mg Cd/kg soil) exhibited carcinogenic risk. However, further field studies with different varieties and Cd levels are imperative for conclusive insights.