Effects of inorganic metals on respirometric oxygen uptake and related Sag curve formations in streams: short communication

Abstract

Inorganic metals besides their direct toxic effects, carry the potential of causing serious variations on existing ecosystems in receiving waters. A self purification mechanim is vital for the continuity of the existing micro and macro living organisms in the streams. This mechanism is effected from the existence of metals. In this study, interferences of HgCl₂, HgSO₄, CuSO₄.5H₂O, K₂Cr₂O₇, ZnSO₄.7H₂O and Al₂ (SO₄)₃.18H₂O metal compounds on respirometric BOD and related effects on the self purification, were investigated with representative formations of Sag curves. In the presence of these metals, streamwater BOD parameters and the related Sag curve formations were significantly effected.


WaterSA Vol.30 (2) 2004: 273-278