Dissolved metals are metallic elements present in aqueous systems predominantly as hydrated ions or inorganic/organic complexes that pass through a defined filter pore size (commonly 0.45 μm). In environmental and geochemical research, they comprise species such as Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, and others in true solution, excluding particulate or colloid-bound forms above the operational cutoff. Their speciation is governed by pH, redox potential, complexing ligands, and ionic strength, which in turn control mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity. Quantification typically uses techniques such as ICP-MS or ICP-OES after filtration and, in some protocols, acid preservation to maintain metals in dissolved form.
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