本文闡述環境中與生物體中重金屬物種分類分析研究之意義與重要性。在自然界中常見的重金屬物種化學,如汞、砷、硒、錫與鉻的物種轉換,也在文中做重點性的討,其中生物甲基化作用與金屬物種轉換有密切關係。許多物種分析的相關研究技術也在此依技術難易程度之不同,分別討論其優缺點與難易處,其中包括一些基質内直接測定法。而未來相關的重要研究方向也在文中加以歸納,並期待未來科學界更多的努力。
The meaning and scientific importance of heavy metal speciation are illustrated with examples. Several environmentally and biologically important heavy metals, such as Hg, As, Se, Sn and Cr, are discussed with their possible major species. Strong emphasis is given on the effect of biomethylation to the toxicity of metal species. Many analytical techniques including some in situ methods, for metal speciation are reviewed according to their degree of difficulty, along with their advantages and drawbacks. Finally, many future trends for heavy metal speciation studies are summerized to encourage further input of scientific effort.