Nickel
Naturally occurring transition metal
Nickel is widespread in nature, its concentrations, however, are mostly low. Nickel alloys play an important role in steel industry. The pure metal is used, e.g. in electronic industry, in glass- and ceramic production, as catalyst in food industry, in coatings and batteries.
Nickel is released into the environment during weathering of rocks and human activities. Under normal conditions free nickel ions are quickly bound to iron and manganese particles and settle in the soils and sediments.
For plants and microorganisms nickel is an essential trace element, whereas its essentiality for animals and humans is not as clear. It has toxic properties and often leads to allergic skin reaction in humans. Nickel compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans. Furthermore, effects on reproduction and teratogenic effects have been demonstrated in animal experiments.
Nickel and its compounds are toxic to aquatic organisms. Toxicity, however, varies markedly between species and depends strongly on abiotic factors. Some aquatic and terrestrial plants are capable of accumulating nickel, whereas accumulation in fish is low.
Recommended analysis examples
Search data
Specimen
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Common mussel species as invasive animal in rivers and lakes with high information level for water pollution
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Fine insoluble mineral or organic particles in the water phase
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Common brown alga of the coastal areas of the North and Baltic Sea
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One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A major primary producer in semi-natural and anthropogenic affected ecosystems.
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A deciduous tree typical of ecosystems close to dense conurbations and an indicator for the characterisation of the immission situation during the vegetation period.
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As the most dominant deciduous tree species in Central Europe, it plays a significant role in most nearly natural and also anthropogenically influenced forest ecosystems up to an altitude of 1100 m.
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Soil is livelihood and biosphere for humans, animals, plants and soil organisms. All the substances brought in are transported, transformed and/or accumulated in the soil.
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Student groups with an even number of female and male students at the age of 20 to 29.
Sampling area
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The only high mountains national park in Germany and an area of the Limestone Alps with international relevance
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Important, old-industrialised conurbation in Germany.
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Main water divide between the North- and Baltic Sea
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Longest river in Germany
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Germany's first national park
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National Park in the largest brackish water (Bodden) habitat of the world.
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National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.
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Fourth largest river basin in Central Europe
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Region in the chemical triangle of Central Germany
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Germany's largest forest national park
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Second highest and largest low mountain range in Northern Germany
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Germany's largest connected forest area in a range of low mountains
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The Upper Bavarian Tertiary Uplands are a part of the Southern German Molasse Basin
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Second largest river in Europe
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4 university cities as sampling areas.
Sampling period
1985 - 2023