Metal pollution of the environment as a result of abandoned
mining activities is an acute and current problem [1,2]. When a mine is
abandoned, water pumping ceases, and water floods the mine. This
introduction of water is the initial step in most acid rock drainage
situations. Tailing piles or ponds may also be a source of acid rock
drainage. In both cases, the result iswater containing elevated levels of
potentially toxic metals [3]. Hence, the monitoring of elements in
these kinds of liquid samples is becoming increasingly important.