Fourteen metals (Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, Mn, Ba, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) were monitored over a 2-year period in the waters of the lower Po River. Concentrations in the dissolved and particulate phases were measured, thus constructing a large database on metal variability. The influence of flow and solid transport on dissolved, particulate and total metal concentrations is discussed. In addition to flow rate and solid content, biological processes seem to be one of the main factors affecting concentrations in the dissolved phase, while the inorganic components of solids seem to control metal concentration in suspended matter. Data on partitioning of metals between the dissolved and particulate phases are presented, together with related information on the affinity sequence of metals for the particulate phase, and the influence of solid load on the modes of metal transport.