Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026

Dissolved Solute Sampling Across an Oxic-Anoxic Soil-Water Interface Using Microdialysis Profilers
Published on: March 24, 2023
An intermediate complexity dynamic model for predicting accumulation of atmospherically-deposited metals (Ni, Cu, Zn,
Stephen Lofts1, Edward Tipping, Alan J Lawlor
1NERC Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, Lancaster Environment Centre, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4AP, United Kingdom. stlo@ceh.ac.uk
Abstract:
The Intermediate Dynamic Model for Metals (IDMM) is a model for prediction of the pools of metals (Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in topsoils of catchments resulting from deposition of metals from the atmosphere. We used the model to simulate soil metal pools from 1400 onwards in ten UK catchments comprising semi-natural habitats, and compared the results with present day observations of soil metal pools. Generally the model performed well in simulating present day pools, and further improvements were made to simulations of Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd by adjusting the strength of metal adsorption to the soils. Some discrepancies between observation and prediction for Pb appeared to be due either to underestimation of cumulative deposition, or to overestimation of the metal pool under 'pristine', pre-industrial conditions. The IDMM provides a potential basis for large scale assessment of metal dynamics in topsoils.
Related Concept Videos
Mechanistic Models: Compartment Models in Individual and Population Analysis
Precipitation Gravimetry
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
Extraction: Advanced Methods
Ladder Diagrams: Complexation Equilibria
The formation constant, K1, for the formation of Cd(NH3)2+ complex from cadmium and ammonia is 3.55 × 102. Log K1 (i.e. pNH3) is 2.55, and...
Microbes and Other Elemental Cycles

