Role of Neutral Fraction of Dissolved Organic Matter in the Migration of Metals in Surface Waters: II. Neutral Metal Complexes in Water Bodies of Different Types

Abstract

The results of long-term studies on the contents and seasonal dynamics of neutral carbohydrate metal complexes in the surface water bodies of different types (lakes, rivers, reservoirs) are summarized. It is established that the weight fraction of the mentioned complexes characteristically varies significantly depending on the type of the water body and the component composition of dissolved organic substances. In water bodies with a highly colored water, the relative contents of dissolved metals in neutral complexes are low due to their preferential binding to anionic complexes with humic substances. In small eutrophic water bodies with a relatively low content of humic substances, the carbohydrate concentrations are the highest and, accordingly, the weight fractions of metals in their neutral complexes is also very noticeable. The molecular weight distributions of neutral metal complexes are discussed. The neutral complexes with the molecular weight ≤5.0 kDa form a significant part of metals associated with carbohydrates. The seasonal dynamics of these metal complexes are discussed.