Quality of Life (Banja Luka) 3(3-4): 65-93

Determination of Speciation and Bioavailability of Copper in the Lake Modrac 
With Geochemical Biotic Ligand Model (BLM)

NUSRETA ĐONLAGIĆ, AIDA CRNKIĆ, DALIBORKA DIVKOVIĆ
University of Tuzla, Faculty of Science, Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract: The results of investigation of inorganic and organic speciation of copper compounds in the lake Modrac, using the geochemical equilibrium model BLM (Biotic Ligand Model; USEPA 2007) and other geochemical models are presented, as well as toxicity and bioavailability of copper compounds in the lake Modrac for chosen biotic ligand of fish fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). Speciation and bioavailability of copper complexes was investigated and toxic- ity levels for chosen biotic ligand determined. The influence of water chemistry on copper toxicity is predominant, and application of sophisticated BLM model enables the prediction of toxicity and bioavailability of copper.

Key Words: copper speciation, geochemical models, bioavailability, toxicity.