Determination of copper complexation in freshwaters of west Canadian lakes by electrochemical analysis (original) (raw)

2006

Abstract

It is well known that the bioavailability and toxicity of trace metals such as copper, cadmium, zinc and mercury are not determined by their total concentration but by their chernical speciation. Addition o f free copper ions at a very low concentration stimulated nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis of phytoplankton population in Clear Lake California, but additional copper rapidly reduced activities of phytoplankton (HORNE & ÜOLDMAN 1994). A free copper ion concentration higher than l o-11 mo l/l in seawater reduces growth of phytoplankton, especially o f many dinoflagellate and cyanobacteria species (GAVIS et al. 1981, BRAND et al. 1986, CROOT et al. 2003). Almost all copper in natural water forms complexes with organic ligands (or su1fides), and the inorganic copper concentration, including free copper ion, is estimated to be very low based on speciation calculations. Estimating the effects o f trace metals on phytoplankton, organic speciation, including determination of the com...

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