Thermodynamic and Analytical Uncertainties in Trace Metal Speciation Calculations

The validity of chemical speciation models should be assessed in the context of field measurements. Such an assessment must also include detailed consideration of the cumulative uncertainties inherent in the process of constructing chemical models. In this note we examine the effect of uncertainties in trace metal complexation constants and pH on the predicted fraction of free metal ion. Only mononuclear inorganic complexes are included. Analytical uncertainties (other than in pH determinations) are not treated