Metals were measured in the biogenic detritus that accumulated over 8 months in the microcosms with Viviparus viviparus and Ceratophyllum demersum. Their concentrations were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The concentrations decreased in the order: Fe > Mn > > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd > >Cr. Following the addition of the metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr) into the water of the microcosm, those metals were found in the sedimented detritus at concentrations higher than in the control. The most pronounced increase was found for Cd (the increase by the factor of over 3), and for Cr (the increase by the factor of over 100). The new data confirm the recent theory of the polyfunctional role of the biota in water quality control and water selfpurification. Keywords: monitoring, water systems, heavy metals, detritus, freshwater microcosms, aquatic organisms. микрокосмы, Microcosms, тяжелые металлы, биогенный, детрит, Viviparus viviparus, Ceratophyllum demersum, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, биогеохимия, модельная водная система,
2010, № 2, с. 53-56.