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Abstract
In the present paper the partitioning of seven selected heavy metal ions Pb, Cd, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and Cr, between the dissolved aqueous phase and paniculate matter, was studied in two rivers of Northern Greece: Axios and Aliakmon, during a two years period.
The characteristic parameters of the water (pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, water discharge, water hardness) were also determined and statistically correlated to the heavy metal concentrations. No significant linear correlation, positive or negative, with a few exceptions, was noticed between the examined parameters.
From the results obtained we can conclude that the heavy metal concentrations in the examined rivers are in lower levels than in other/polluted systems.
From the ratios of the metal content in the particulate matter to the respective in the dissolved metal fraction, it is shown that with an exception of Pb in Aliakmon River, heavy metals in the water column of the two examined river systems are mainly found as particulates and/or adsorbed on suspended solids, rather than dissolved in the aqueous phase.
Total heavy metal concentrations are found to be higher in Axios River than in Aliakmon. The same stands true for the heavy metal concentrations in the aqueous phase.