Antimony (Sb) is a metalloid element that occurs naturally due to rock weathering, soil run-off and atmospheric deposition in the environment. However, its presence in the environment is also caused by various anthropogenic activities. Industrially, antimony is used in the fabrication of lead alloys, fire retardants, glassy and ceramics, batteries and polyethylene terephthalate as a polycon-densation catalyst. Normal concentrations of antimony in water sources vary from a few ng L−1 to a few mg L−1, depending on localization and/or anthropogenic activity. Typical levels in rivers and lakes are