Speciation dynamics and bioavailability of metals. Exploration of the case of two uptake routes
Résumé
Abstract The steady-state biouptake of metals from complex media is outlined for the case of two different uptake routes. The analysis comprises the limiting situations of inert and labile complexes, and distinguishes between bioinactive and bioactive (lipophilic) complexes. Depending on the dynamic features, fluxes of the different species may be either coupled or uncoupled. The role of the lipophilic ligands may be important in the overall uptake process. Some specific cases are discussed.