Geochemical modelling and speciation studies of metal pollutants present in selected water systems in South Africa

Publication date: Available online 28 August 2015 Source:Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts A/B/C Author(s): M.M. Magu, P.P. Govender, J.C. Ngila Metal pollutants in water poses great threats to living beings and hence requires to be monitored regularly to avoid loss of lives. Various analytical methods are available to monitor these pollutants in water and can be improved with time. Modelling of metal pollutants in any water system helps chemists, engineers and environmentalists to greatly understand the various chemical processes in such systems. Water samples were collected from waste water treatment plant and river from highlands close to its source all the way to the ocean as it passing through areas with high anthropogenic activities. Pre-concentration of pollutants in the samples was done through acid digestion and metal pollutants were analysed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectra (ICP-OES) to determine the concentration levels. Metal concentrations ranged between 0.1356–0.4658mg/L for Al; 0.0031–0.0050mg/L for Co, 0.0019–0.0956mg/L for Cr; 0.0028–0.3484mg/L for Cu; 0.0489–0.3474mg/L for Fe; 0.0033–0.0285mg/L for Mn; 0.0056–0.0222mg/L for Ni; 0.0265–0.4753mg/L for Pb and 0.0052–0.5594mg/L for Zn. Modelling work was performed using PHREEQC couple with Geochemist’s workbench (GWB) to determine speciation dynamics and bioavailability of these pollutants. Modelling thus adds value to analytical methods and hence a ...
Source: Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Parts ABC - Category: Science Source Type: research