Abstract
The biochemical basis for resistance to toxicity is complicated by the great variety of reactions at the molecular and cellular levels even in closely related organisms and tissues. Several strategies for resistance to intoxication have been identified. Metal ion interactions in biology can be divided into three classes representing fast, intermediate and slow exchange with biological ligands. Examples of those elements in fast exchange include the alkali metals Na+ and K+, the alkali earth metals Ca2+ and Mg2+, and, of course, H+. Those which can sometimes be in intermediary exchange are Fe2+ and Mn2+. Examples of those in slow exchange are generally in the active sites of metalloenzymes, e.g., Fe3+, Zn2+, Ni2+, Cu2+. In the presented paper, the cycling of one essential element (nickel) and one non-essential element (mercury) are reviewed with special emphasis on their mobilities in the event of in situ sediment contamination.
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Wood, J.M. Biological processes involved in the cycling of elements between soil or sediments and the aqueous environment. Hydrobiologia 149, 31–42 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048644
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00048644