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.
In recent years, special wash-down areas have been built in marinas to reduce the environmental problems caused by boat bottom paints. An analysis of Hinsholmskilen by the University of Gothenburg shows that the levels of ...
Ecology
Jun 27, 2025
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Climate change is melting glaciers and permafrost in the mountains outside of Boulder, Colorado, exposing rocks and freeing up minerals containing sulfate, a form of sulfur, to flow downstream into local watersheds.
Earth Sciences
May 16, 2025
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Some 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced globally each year, out of which a staggering 91% of plastic waste is never recycled—with 12% incinerated and 79% left to end up in landfills and oceans and linger in our ...
A study published by researchers at the University at Albany has presented the first documented evidence that Adirondack surface waters have made a near full recovery from metal pollution since the enactment of the Clean ...
Environment
Apr 25, 2025
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Up to 17% of cropland worldwide is contaminated with at least one type of toxic heavy metal, posing health risks to up to 1.4 billion people, scientists warned Thursday.
Environment
Apr 18, 2025
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The accumulation of toxic elements poses a significant threat to terrestrial ecosystems, with the patterns and influencing factors of this accumulation being complex. However, elevational patterns of toxic elements in montane ...
Environment
Apr 17, 2025
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Groundwater is an essential source of drinking water across the country. However, heavy metal contamination in groundwater presents a significant health hazard. Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed ...
Nanomaterials
Sep 19, 2024
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Engineers at the University of California San Diego have developed an ultra-sensitive sensor made with graphene that can detect extraordinarily low concentrations of lead ions in water. The device achieves a record limit ...
Nanomaterials
Feb 5, 2024
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Northwestern University engineers have developed a new sponge that can remove metals—including toxic heavy metals like lead and critical metals like cobalt—from contaminated water, leaving safe, drinkable water behind.
Nanomaterials
May 11, 2023
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167
An international team of researchers has developed nanorobots capable of removing heavy metals from polluted water. In their paper published in the journal Nature Communications, the group describes their nanorobots and how ...
