Inorganic chemical pollutants such as S02 and NO. , which also act as the major precursors of acid rain, as well as ecotoxic heavy metals and metalloids (cadmium, lead, mercury, copper, zinc, nickel, chromium, arsenic, selenium etc. ) have gained considerable significance as regards the ecotoxic burden on vegetation, soil and natural waters, and as air pollutants. The rapid increase that has recently been noticed in severe damage to forests has suddenly aroused public interest in the ever-growing problem of inorganic chemical pollutants to a hitherto unknown extent, especially as in addition to the damage to vegetation, this also constitutes a growing hazard for man via food chains. Research on the level, fate and transfer as well as on the ecotoxic and toxic impact of inorganic pollutants has therefore gained considerable significance in science and furthermore as a sound scientific basis for relevant environmental protection regulations, in research politics and in public awareness.
