Chemical speciation of heavy metals in the Tigris River sediment

Abstract

After determination of total heavy metal concentrations in Tigris river sediments, a Tessier sequential extraction technique and a modified form using a microwave heating procedure were applied. Recoveries of total heavy metals from the sediment samples using the microwave and conventional techniques were reasonably comparable, in spite of a big difference in time required. 44–46% of Co, 24–36% of Cu, 69-81 % of Ni, and 55–73% of Zn were found in the residual fraction (i.e. not bioavailable).