Selection of investigation methods for heavy metal pollution on soil and sediments of water basins and river bottoms: a review

Abstract

Most heavy metals have a negative impact on humans and the environment. Thus, evaluation of toxin concentration in the environment allows taking measures to improve the quality of life and the environmental conditions. In order to accomplish the research, more accurate methods to reflect the real research object data, are required. Various pedogeochemical researches on pollution with heavy metals in Lithuania started in the 6th decade of this century and since then a lot of large-scale studies have been done. The methods used in these studies have become a methodical basis for other researchers. All these research methods have a sequence, accurate order of coherent field work planning and its uimplementation. Furthermore, these researches require accurate laboratory studies, hitech and the newest analysis methods. This work describes the most commonly examined and applied research methods, focusing on practice, which often raises research objectives. Besides, the paper presents the sequence of research works from sampling up to the methods and tools for analysis of results. Keywords: heavy metal, soil, bottom sediments, methods, sampling, analysis, extraction