Distribution of copper, lead, and zinc in selected components of a pond ecosystem

Abstract

Concentrations of copper, lead, and zinc in several components of an aquatic ecosystem were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Concentrations of all metals were found to be lowest in the water and greatest in the sediments and biota. No increase in the amount of metals could be associated with increasing trophic levels. Domestic ducks and tree leaves from the pond's perimeter contributed heavy metals to the pond ecosystem.