ABSTRACT

Almost all metals and metalloids are naturally contained in water, at least in trace quantities, depending on the geological conditions. The enrichment of water occurs through contact with rocks and soil. The main anthropogenic sources of metals and metalloids are wastewater from mining and processing ores, from ironworks, rolling mills, from the surface treatment of metals, as well as from the photographic, textile and leather industries. Another source may be agrochemicals, algicidal preparations and the leaching of sludge dumping sites. In addition, atmospheric water contaminated by exhaust fumes from the burning of fossil fuels and motor vehicle exhaust can be an important source of metals and metalloids in surface waters (Pitter 2009).