Novel in situ sampling devices for monitoring trace metals in natural waters

仅在加拿大，环境专员2002年的报告就查明了3 200多个有毒地点-许多受到有毒金属的污染。长期、低水平接触有毒金属可能对人类和生态系统健康造成风险。对健康的不利影响可能包括癌症、神经毒性和出生缺陷的发病率上升。然而，公共卫生建议和干预措施需要关于造成最大吸收和毒性的化学形式（即化学物种）的准确信息。目前对总金属浓度的监管重点忽视了化学形态在评估金属危害方面的基本作用。因此，了解金属在其不同物理和化学形态中的分布情况对于预测其在水生环境中的迁移、归宿和生物利用率至关重要。该研究计划旨在开发复杂的模型和原位样品装置，用于长期无人值守的水质监测。这项研究将导致新的，具有成本效益的战略，以评估我们的河口，海洋和淡水资源的健康，而不会不适当地限制经济活动。

In Canada alone, over 3200 toxic sites were identified in the 2002 Report of the Commissioner of the Environment--many contaminated by toxic metals. Chronic, low-level exposure to toxic metals may result in risks to human and ecosystem health. Adverse health effects may include elevated incidences of cancer, neurotoxicity and birth defects. However, public health recommendations and interventions require precise information about the chemical forms (i.e. chemical species) responsible for the greatest uptake and toxicity. The current regulatory emphasis on total metal concentrations overlooks the fundamental role of chemical speciation in assessing the hazards posed by metals. An understanding of the metal distribution among their different physical and chemical species is therefore essential for predicting their transport, fate and bioavailability in the aquatic environment. This research program is directed at the development of sophisticated models and in situ sample devices for long-term, unattended water quality monitoring. This research will lead to new, cost-effective strategies for assessing the health of our estuarine, marine and fresh water resources without unduly restricting economic activities.