Cipher: 2402
Nomenclature: Metal ions and organic matter in natural waters
Study programme: Molecular biosciences
Module: Marine Biology
Case holder:

The headline doc.dr.sc. Vlado Cuculić, senior zn. associate
Institution of the case holder:

Ruđer Boskovic Institute
Contributors - Contractors:

Dr.sc. Marina Mlakar, scientific advisor
Subject status: Electoral College
The year in which the case is submitted: Year I
The semester in which the case is submitted: Semester II
Subject objective:

Understand the possible interactions of different forms of traces of metal in natural waters with organic matter and learn the specific forms of metal compounds that are highly toxic in small concentrations, and accumulate in marine organisms consumed as human food.
Case contents:

The composition of natural waters. Speciation of metal ions in natural waters, the influence of organic matter and the particles present. Complexion capacity - tying up metal ions and organic matter. Application of electrochemical methods. Essential and toxic metal ions (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Zn); bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and biomagnification within the food chain in the aquatic environment. The influence of the speciation of metal ions on their toxicity, as well as their desirable effects.
Learning outcomes: competences, knowledge, skills that the subject develops:

1. Identify the basics of the behavior of metal ions and complexes in the aquatic environment.
2. To judge the influence of organic matter on biogeochemical processes of essential and non-essential trace metals in water systems.
3. Assess the bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and biomagnification of trace metals within the food chain in the aquatic environment.
4. Critically judge the interactions of metal ions and their complexes (organic and inorganic) in the aquatic environment based on scientific literature.
5. Propose research into the environmental significance of metal ions and organic matter by selecting relevant data and information.
ECTS Credits 4
Lectures 5
Seminars (IS) 5
Exercises (E) 10
Altogether 20
The way of teaching and acquiring knowledge:
Ways of teaching and acquiring knowledge: (notes)
Monitoring and evaluating students (mark in fat printing only relevant categories) Mandatory seminar paper
Rating method: Oral exam, Essay/Seminar
Mandatory literature:

1. Riley, J.P. Chester, R., Introduction to Marine Chemistry, Acad. Press, London, 1971.
2. Buffle, J., Complexation Reactions in Aquatic Systems, Ellis Horwood, Chichester, 1988.
3. Stumm W, Morgan JJ, Aquatic Chemistry 3nd ed., J. Wiley&sons, New York, 1996.
4. Vilicic, D., Phytoplankton in the ecological system of the sea, chapters 3 and 4, Šk. book, Zagreb, 2003.
Supplementary (recommended) literature:

1. Bracnica, M. (2001) Traces of metal in natural waters. Industry Chemistry, 50, 493-499.
2. Duffus, J.H. (2002) Heavy metals—a meaningless term? Pure and Applied Chemistry, 74, 793–807.
3. Hodson, M.E. (2004) Heavy metals—geochemical bogey men? Environmental Pollution, 129, 341–343.
4. Morel, F.M.M., Price, N.M. (2003) The Biogeochemical Cycles of Trace Metals in the Oceans. Science, 300, 944-947.
How to monitor the quality and performance performance (evaluation):

The success of the course will be evaluated annually by the joint expert committee of the Ruđer Boskovic Institute, the University of Dubrovnik and the University of Josip Juraj Strossmayer in Osijek based on exam success and surveys.