Measurement of free heavy metal ion concentrations in soils using Donnan membrane technique

In natural systems heavy metals are present in very low concentrations (less than micro-molar), so precise measurement of the free metal ions is difficult. Recently, a new method has been developed called the Donnan membrane technique (DMT). Several heavy metals could be measured simultaneously using this method. Furthermore, all the metals did not interfere with each other, and the balance between the measured system and the surrounding condition could not be disturbed. Improvements were made according to the internal condition. The free heavy metal ion concentrations were measured in different systems using the improved method, and satisfied results have been obtained.