| Abstract: | The distribution of cadmium in the Rhône river was studied using differential pulse anodic stripping voltametry with a static mercury drop electrode. For 11 potentially contaminated river stations, the Cd in true solution averaged 39 ± 23 ng kg−1, adsorbed on suspended matter was 19 ± 22 ng kg−1 (liquid phase) and suspended matter content was 2.4 ± 1.5 mg kg−1 (solid phase), equivalent to 40 ± 24, 22 ± 24 and 38 ± 31%, respectively, of the total carried under these conditions. For sediments the mean Cd content was 0.9 ± 0.6 mg kg−1. The water values are low by world standards, even though sampling was biased towards sites potentially contaminated. This could be partially due to the unusual water pH of 7.8–8.5. |
