PREDICTION OF TRACE-METAL DISTRIBUTION COEFFICIENTS (K-D) FOR AEROBICSEDIMENTS

Distribution coefficients fbr suspended sediments may be estimated fro m water and sediment quality variables, using detailed conceptual chem ical models or semi-empirical models. The predicted K-D values find ap plication in trace metal fate modelling and risk assessment. The detai led chemical model SWAMP (Sediment Water Algorithm for Metal Partition ing) which expresses trace metal distribution coefficients as a functi on of environmental variables and sediment characteristics was used to describe field K-D values. Besides SWAMP, semi-empirical models were derived from field-K-D values. The field K-D-values for Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were measured on samples taken monthly from four surface water s in The Netherlands. In this paper we discuss the differences between the two modeling approaches. (C) 1998 IAWQ. Published by Elsevier Sci ence Ltd.