Migration behavior of platinum group elements in natural and technogeneous systems

Data were summarized on the speciation of the main platinum group elements (PGE) platinum, palladium, and rhodium in aqueous media, forms of their input into the environment, and mechanisms of accumulation by natural sorptive phases. In some cases, the results obtained for PGE were compared with those for gold. Data on PGE speciation in a number of natural environments were analyzed. It was found that the main factor controlling the migration ability of PGE (Pd > Pt»Rh) is the formation of stable compounds with dissolved organic matter, hydroxyl, and thiosulfate ions and nanometer-sized particles. The transport of dissolved PGE species by marine, riverine, and technogeneous suspended materials was evaluated as an alternative way of an increase in PGE mobility. Significant differences were revealed in the migration behavior of platinum, palladium, and rhodium indicating the dominance of palladium dissipation in a dissolved state. The possibility of the prediction of PGE accumulation and dissipation in technogeneous systems was demonstrated.