Modeling the fate of metals in aquatic systems: The mechanistic basis of particle-water partitioning models

Much progress has been made in developing a theoretical and experimental basis for fully mechanistic models of the particle-water partitioning of metals in aquatic systems. In addition, environmental analytical chemists are now able to accurately quantify low natural metal concentrations and their complexation by natural dissolved organic matter. A good agreement between the mechanistic models and the environmental data exists. However, significant challenges to mechanistic modelers remain in the large number of unknowns and the degree of variability in aquatic systems. These challenges mean that a significant amount of site-specific data are still required and that partially empirical approaches remain necessary.