Abstract
Sorption and release of Cd was determined in 10 Canadian soils. Experimental results showed that soils exhibit large capacities to adsorb Cd; however, a major portion of adsorbed Cd was released by NaCl extraction. The amount of Cd not released by NaCl (fixed Cd) was correlated to the cation exchange capacity, pH and organic carbon content of soils. The "fixation" reactions of Cd did not have priority over adsorption reactions.