Metal partitioning between colloidal and dissolved phases and its relation with bioavailability to American oysters

摘要

Kinetics and the extent of metal partitioning between colloidal and dissolved phases and coagulation of metals associated with colloids were examined to determine their effects on the bioavailability of selected metals (Cd, Co, Hg, Fe, and Zn) to American oysters (Cras- sostrea virginica) using radiotracer and short term exposure experiments. After dispersion of radiolabeled colloids into low molecular weight (LMW, ＜1 kDa) seawater, metal partitioning between dissolved (＜1 kDa) and colloidal (1 kDa-0.20 μm) phases resulted in a consistent pattern, with a relatively constant percentage in the colloidal phase for each metal.