Platinum Group Elements in Aquatic Environments: Chemical Analyses, Biogeochemical Behaviour, and Ecotoxicological Effects

Dear Colleagues,

The platinum group elements (PGE), i.e., ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rh), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), and platinum (Pt), are key components of new technologies and are thus considered to be technology-critical elements. PGE are mostly used in automobile catalytic converters, but also in a number of other applications, including as catalysts in different chemical processes and in anticancer therapy, dental restoration, and electronic devices. Despite the increasing use of these noble metals and their rising concentrations in different environmental compartments, we are just beginning to understand their environmental behaviour and their effects on living organisms. In considering both aspects, applicable analytical methods for a reliable quantification of (ultra)traces of PGE in different matrices as well as for the determination of the metal speciation are necessary.

This Special Issue invites original research papers and critical reviews providing new insights into the environmental processes and ecotoxicology of PGE. We particularly invite contributions concerning:

• Improvement of existing methods and development of new analytical strategies for the PGE quantification in different environmental matrices as well as for the identification of PGE species;
• Biogeochemical behaviour of PGE within aquatic ecosystems with emphasis on factors affecting PGE speciation and biological availability;
• (Bio)monitoring studies and identification of sensitive bioindicators for PGE contamination in aquatic systems;
• Studies on toxicokinetic aspects (absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination) of PGE in aquatic organisms;
• Studies on the toxicity of PGE considering all organisational levels from molecules to ecosystems.

Dr. Sonja Zimmermann
Prof. Dr. Victor Wepener
Prof. Dr. Bernd Sures
Guest Editors

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