Laboratory studies on the uptake and bioaccumulation of PGE by aquatic plants and animals

Abstract

The present book chapter gives an overview of laboratory exposure experiments dealing with the biological availability, uptake and accumulation of the platinum group elements (PGE) platinum, palladium and rhodium by aquatic organisms. Effects of different test parameters such as test system, PGE source, route of exposure, exposure concentration, exposure medium, test organism, temperature and exposure period are described in detail. Problems in the determination of bioaccumulation factors (BAF) and in their use to comparing results from different bioaccumulation studies are discussed. Although the transfer of laboratory results to field conditions bears a lot of difficulties, it is important to know these influences and problems for a better understanding of the environmental situation.