Features of Aluminum Concentrations in Rivers of the Mountain Zone of the Central Caucaus

Abstract

Aluminum concentrations in river waters of the mountain and foothill zones of the Central Caucasus were studied. The concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. The aluminum concentrations in 87% of samples were above the maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) for fisheries and the aluminum concentrations in 20% of samples were above the MPCs for drinking water. The highest aluminum concentrations were found in the river waters of the modern and ancient volcanism regions. A number of factors contribute to the bioavailability of aluminum in these rivers, and this may pose threat for living organisms, including humans.