Routes for Bioaccumulation and Transformation of Platinum in the Urban Environment

Book chapter, 2000

Platinum occurs naturally at very low concentrations. However, a potential problem appears with the presence of Pt in the urban environment due to its increasing use as an autocatalyst. The potential contamination of the environment by Pt has started a debate over the health risks posed by increased exposure to Pt. Toxic effects have been reported for microorganisms, plants and animals. It is also known that Pt has potential human health effects, even at small doses, with allergenic reactions initiated by platinum salts, e.g. hexachloroplatinate, and mutagenic/carcinogenic effects linked to the anti-cancer drug cisplatin (Lindell, 1997). This critical review focuses on the pathways and transformations of Pt in the environment. Environmental effects can only be understood through an assessment of the bioavailability of Pt and in this perspective, the environmental routes of Pt are of interest.