Trace metals in a tropical river environment —speciation and biological transfer

Speciation of trace metals in the river water indicates possible organic bonding. Copper is highly complexed with the humic matter in the river sediments. Trace metals show higher levels in the milk of the cows fed on a contaminated pasture. Analysis of fish from the river shows highest enhancement in concentration for Cd. Tissuewise, the concentrations are highest in bone and liver. Calculation of the projected daily intake of trace metals, from consumer items produced locally, shows the intake of Zn and Cd to be high.