ABSTRACT
Heavy metals in wetlands have both natural and anthropogenic sources and can be delivered by either eolian, uvial, or tidal sources. Once within a wetland or aquatic environment, the ability of a metal to be transported depends on its chemical properties. The chemical properties of metal pollutants also in uence toxicity. The species of metal or metal speciation determine the behavior in aquatic and wetland environments. Valence, the formation of oxyanions, sorption to the particulate or sediments, complexation with organic matter, precipitation, and interaction with microorganisms are processes governing the availability or toxicity of heavy metals in wetlands.
