A New Approach to the Determination of Bioavailable Metals in Surface Waters
Abstract
The goal of this research project is to develop a biologically relevant method for fractionating aqueous metals into toxic (bioavailable) and non-toxic forms. The overall approach is: (1) to determine the binding affinity of the gills of fish and other aquatic animals for specific metals using a novel competition bioassay technique; (2) to operationally modify the performance characteristics of cation exchange chromatography to match the metal binding affinity for gill tissue; and (3) to validate and, as necessary, calibrate the cation exchange chromatography method so as to match the toxicity of the metal(s) to aquatic biota under differing water quality conditions. Progress to date includes compiling a library of copper-organic acid stability constants, and completing experiments designed to establish experimental conditions for copper-fish-organic acid competition bioassays. The ILL (incipient lethal level) of copper for rainbow trout was estimated, and the effect of calcium exposure and calcium acclimation concentration on copper toxicity was evaluated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 31, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA253013
Entities
People
- Darren E. Smith
- Harold L. Bergman
- Norbert Swoboda-colberg
- Russell K. Macrae
Organizations
- University of Wyoming