THE BEHAVIOR OF COPPER COMPLEXATION IN RIVERS AND ESTUARIES - 2 STUDIES IN NORTH-EAST ENGLAND

There is a need for a better understanding of complexation in natural waters in order assess the importance of current metal levels and predict the effects of future discharges. This paper examines the distribution of copper complexing substances in two rivers. Complexing capacities for complexes of stability constants (K') in the range 10(9.5) to 10(11.5) and > 10(11.5) are reported for a range of salinities. Ligands of high K', probably humic in nature, predominate in river water. Further down the estuaries, weaker ligands of marine origin are of greater importance. The effects of pH and salinity on complex strength and complexing capacity are evaluated.