Analytical Approaches for Detection, Characterization, and Environmental Significance of Suspended Particulate Matter...

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) represents a component of aquatic systems, acting both as a carrier of contaminants and as a factor shaping ecosystem functioning. This review summarizes recent progress in methods for detecting and quantifying SPM in natural waters. Traditional gravimetric analysis provides a direct mass-based reference, while optical approaches such as turbidimetry and nephelometry enable rapid and automated assessments. Granulometric techniques, including sedimentation and laser diffraction, contribute to understanding particle size distribution and its role in transport, settling, and pollutant interactions. Chemical characterization, based on spectroscopic and spectrometric methods, identifies the composition of SPM and its association with heavy metals, organic pollutants, and microplastics. Particular attention is given to the ecological risks posed by fine particles, which remain suspended longer and enhance contaminant mobility. The review integrates findings from hydrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental monitoring, outlining both the strengths and limitations of existing methods and highlighting directions for improving water-quality assessment and ecological risk evaluation.