The sphagnum moss peat used in this study, which was
from Northern Ireland, was obtained from a local garden
centre. It was dried at 1058C for 24 h and then screened
though a 14 mesh sieve (B.S. 410/43) before being used.
Stock solutions of lead nitrate and copper sulphate
(analytical grade) (1 g/l) were prepared in distilled water.
All solutions used in this study were diluted with distilled
water as required