Investigations on heavy metal speciation in natural waters by voltammetric procedures

Abstract

The speciation of dissolved heavy metals is of great significance for their interactions with suspended matter and sediments and their uptake by aquatic organisms. Substance-specificity combined with extraordinary detection sensitivity and inherently high accuracy make suitable advanced modes of polarography and voltammetry one of the most powerful and convenient methodological approaches for speciation studies of heavy metals of ecotoxic significance in all types of natural waters. The potentialities for diagnostic measurements and for specific studies on the effects of physicochemical parameters of natural waters on heavy metal species are presented. The type and size of the obtainable information and resulting conclusions of the fate of heavy metals in natural waters is indicated.