Determine heavy metals in water, aquatic plants, and sediment in water systems

Abstract

Objective: Biomonitoring pollution of water bodies with heavy metals using evaluation of the level of concentration of heavy metals in water, aquatic plants, and sediments in 9 important rivers and lakes in the water bodies of Yekaterinburg. (Eight rivers and one lake). Methods: Sample preparation for the atomic absorption determination of the acid-soluble “mobile” form of eight metals (Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in the composition of bottom sediments was carried out by the method of wet mineralization in accordance with the Methodological Guidelines the definition of heavy metals. Results: All concentrations of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic plants were higher than in a water sample. Conclusions: Concentrations of all water samples were within acceptable limits established by WHO, while the concentrations of all aquatic plants and sediment were above the acceptable limits of WHO.