Toxicity and ecological significance of trace elements in aquatic environments

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · J. Environ. Sci.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6807658

Kalmaz, E V

The variability of trace element concentration levels in aquatic environments is great, both on a macro- and microgeographic scale, as well as with time at a given location. In some cases, it is difficult to correlate trace element concentration with such characteristics as river flow or lithologic environment. In order to accurately characterize trace elements and attempt to develop models for predicting their behavior and movement in aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to distinguish their various forms of chemical and physical states, such as solubility, adsorption capability, particle size, reactivity with other organic and inorganic compounds and complex formation. Such characteristics play an important role in their availability to and uptake by aquatic animals and plants. Generally, sediment serves as a major source and sink for most trace element contaminants. Food chain transport in both aquatic and terrestrial environments results in movement of toxic trace elements from lower to higher positions in the food chain. Trace elements in high concentrations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are potentially dangerous. Some trace elements are more dangerous than others and require much more care in management of their collection, treatment and disposal. Classification of more hazardous trace elements reflects the time, place and attitudes of responsible official agencies.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville
• OSTI ID: 6807658
• Journal Information: J. Environ. Sci.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Environ. Sci.; (United States) Vol. 23:5; ISSN JEVSA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

520200 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
ECOSYSTEMS
ENERGY SOURCES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
FOOD CHAINS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MASS TRANSFER
MATERIALS
MUNICIPAL WASTES
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PESTICIDES
POLLUTION
SEDIMENTS
SEWAGE
SEWAGE SLUDGE
TOXIC MATERIALS
TOXICITY
TRACE AMOUNTS
WASTES
WATER POLLUTION