1
|
Hudelson K, Muir DCG, Köck G, Wang X, Kirk JL, Lehnherr I. Mercury at the top of the world: A 31-year record of mercury in Arctic char in the largest High Arctic lake, linked to atmospheric mercury concentrations and climate oscillations. Environ Pollut 2023; 337:122466. [PMID: 37689133 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2023.122466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Lake Hazen, the largest lake north of the Arctic circle, is being impacted by mercury (Hg) pollution and climate change. The lake is inhabited by two morphotypes of land-locked Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), a sensitive indicator species for pollution and climatic impacts. The objectives of this study were to describe the trends in Hg concentration over time and to determine the relationship of climate to length-at-age and Hg concentrations in each char morphotype, as well as the relationship to atmospheric Hg measurements at a nearby monitoring station. Results for Hg in char muscle were available from 20 sampling years over the period 1990 to 2021. We found significant declines in Hg concentrations for both morphotypes during the 31-year study period. Increased rain and earlier freeze-up of lake ice during the summer growing season was linked to increased length-at-age in both char morphotypes. For the large morphotype, higher total gaseous Hg in the fall and winter seasons was related to higher concentrations of Hg in char, while increased glacial runoff was related to decreases in char Hg. For the small morphotype char, increased snow and snow accumulation in the fall season were linked to declines in char Hg concentration. The Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Arctic Oscillation were positively related to the large char Hg trend and Arctic Oscillation was positively related to the small char Hg trend. Significant trend relationships between atmospheric Hg and Hg in biota in remote regions are rare and uniquely valuable for evaluation of the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention and related monitoring efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Derek C G Muir
- School of Environmental Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, N1G 2W1; Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Günter Köck
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Mountain Research (ÖAW-IGF), A-6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Xiaowa Wang
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Jane L Kirk
- Environment & Climate Change Canada, 867 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, Ontario, Canada, L7S 1A1.
| | - Igor Lehnherr
- Department of Geography, Geomatics and Environment, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, Ontario, L5L 1C6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen C, Qin X, Li H, Li H, Liu C, Fu M, Wang X, Huo J, Duan Y, Fu Q, Huang K, Deng C. Atmospheric mercury in a developed region of eastern China: Interannual variation and gas-particle partitioning. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19786. [PMID: 37771526 PMCID: PMC10522948 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury plays a crucial role in the biogeochemical cycle of mercury. This study conducted an intensive measurement of atmospheric mercury from 2015 to 2018 at a regional site in eastern China. During this period, the concentration of particle-bound mercury (PBM) decreased by 13%, which was much lower than those of gaseous elemenral mercury (GEM, 30%) and reactive gaseous mercury (GOM, 62%). The gradual decrease in the correlation between PBM and CO, K, and Pb indicates that the influence of primary emissions on PBM concentration was weakening. Moreover, the value of the partitioning coefficient (Kp) increased gradually from 0.05 ± 0.076 m3/μg in 2015 to 0.16 ± 0.37 m3/μg in 2018, indicating that GOM was increasingly inclined to adsorb onto particulate matter. Excluding the influence of meteorological conditions and the primary emissions, the change in aerosol composition is designated as the main trigger factor for the increasing gas-particle partitioning of reactive mercury (RM). The increasing ratio of Cl-, NO3-, and organics (Org) in the chemical composition of particle matters (PM2.5), as well as the decrease in the proportion of SO42-, NH4+, and K+, are conducive to the adsorption of GOM onto particles, forming PBM, which led to an increase of Kp and a lag of PBM reduction compared to GEM and GOM under the continuous control measures of anthropogenic mercury emissions. The evolution of aerosol compositions in recent years affects the migration and transformation of atmospheric mercury, which in turn can affect the biogeochemical cycle of mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaofei Qin
- School of Environmental and Municipal Engineering, Qingdao University of Technology, Qingdao, 266520, China
| | - Hao Li
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Haiyan Li
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Chengfeng Liu
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Mengxin Fu
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiaohao Wang
- State Ecologic Environmental Scientific Observation and Research Station for Dianshan Lake, Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Juntao Huo
- State Ecologic Environmental Scientific Observation and Research Station for Dianshan Lake, Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Yusen Duan
- State Ecologic Environmental Scientific Observation and Research Station for Dianshan Lake, Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Qingyan Fu
- State Ecologic Environmental Scientific Observation and Research Station for Dianshan Lake, Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kan Huang
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Congrui Deng
- Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- IRDR ICoE on Risk Interconnectivity and Governance on Weather/Climate Extremes Impact and Public Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- Institute of Eco-Chongming (IEC), Shanghai, 202162, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tang Y, Wu Q, Wang S, Zhang M, Zhang Y, Qiao F. Enhanced daytime atmospheric mercury in the marine boundary layer in the South Oceans. Sci Total Environ 2023:164691. [PMID: 37301400 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.164691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the spatial and temporal variations of atmospheric mercury (Hg) in the marine boundary layer could advance our knowledge on ocean evasion of Hg. Here, we conducted continuous measurements of total gaseous mercury (TGM) in the marine boundary layer during a round-the-world cruise from August 2017 to May 2018. We observed the highest and lowest TGM concentrations in Southern Indian Ocean (1.29 ± 0.22 ng m-3) and Southern Atlantic Ocean (0.61 ± 0.28 ng m-3), respectively. During the daytime, enhanced TGM was observed with the diurnal amplitude difference reaching its maximum in the range of 0.30-0.37 ng m-3 in Southern Indian Ocean and Southern Ocean. The positive correlation between TGM (R2 = 0.68-0.92) and hourly solar radiation in each ocean suggested that the daytime enhanced TGM was likely driven by Hg photoreduction in seawater, after excluding the influence of other meteorological factors. The diurnal amplitude of TGM in the marine boundary layer might be impacted by the microbial productivity and the ratio of ultraviolet radiation. Our study highlights that ocean acts as a net TGM source during the daytime in the Southern Hemisphere and aqueous photoreduction process may play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Criteria and Risk Assessment, Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Science, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- First Institute of Oceanography and Key Laboratory of Marine Sciences and Numerical Modelling, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| | - Yanxu Zhang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Atmospheric and Earth System Sciences, School of Atmospheric Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fangli Qiao
- First Institute of Oceanography and Key Laboratory of Marine Sciences and Numerical Modelling, Ministry of Natural Resources, Qingdao 266061, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang L, Zhang G, Zhou P, Zhao Y. A Review of Dry Deposition Schemes for Speciated Atmospheric Mercury. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2022; 110:16. [PMID: 36525086 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-022-03641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This study reviewed the existing framework of dry deposition schemes for speciated atmospheric mercury. As the most commonly used methods for mercury dry deposition estimation, the big-leaf resistance scheme for gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), the size distribution regarded resistance scheme for particulate bound mercury (PBM), and the bidirectional air-surface exchange scheme for gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) were introduced in detail. Sensitivity analysis were conducted to quantitatively identify the key parameters for the estimation of speciated mercury dry deposition velocities. The dry deposition velocity of GOM was found to be sensitive to the wind speed and some land use related parameters. The chemical forms of GOM could have a significant impact on the dry deposition velocity. The dry deposition velocity of PBM is sensitive to the mass fraction of PBM in coarse particles, while that of GEM is most sensitive to air temperature. Future research needs were proposed accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- School of the Environment and State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CICAEET), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Guichen Zhang
- School of the Environment and State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peisheng Zhou
- School of the Environment and State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- School of the Environment and State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, Nanjing University, 163 Xianlin Avenue, Nanjing, 210023, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Atmospheric Environment and Equipment Technology (CICAEET), Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210044, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Vijayakumaran Nair S, Kotnik J, Gačnik J, Živković I, Koenig AM, Mlakar TL, Horvat M. Dispersion of airborne mercury species emitted from the cement plant. Environ Pollut 2022; 312:120057. [PMID: 36041570 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The cement industry is the second largest source of anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions in Europe, accounting for 11% of global anthropogenic Hg emissions. The main objective of this study was to examine the influence of Hg emissions from the Salonit Anhovo cement plant on Hg levels measured in the ambient air at Vodarna, 1 km downwind from the flue gas chimney. The findings reveal that the plant raw mill operational status plays an important role in Hg concentrations in the flue gas emitted from the plant. Emitted total gaseous mercury was, on average, higher (49.4 μg/m3) when raw mills were in the direct mode (both raw mills-off) and lower (23.4 μg/m3) in the combined mode (both raw mills-on). The average Hg concentrations in Vodarna were 3.14 ng/m3 for gaseous elemental mercury, 53.7 pg/m3 for gaseous oxidised mercury, and 41.9 pg/m3 for particulate bound mercury for the whole measurement period. Atmospheric Hg speciation in Vodarna, coupled with plant emissions and wind data, has revealed that the total gaseous mercury emitted from the cement plant is clearly related to all Hg species measured in Vodarna. Wind blowing from the northeastern quadrant (mostly NE, ENE) is responsible for the elevated Hg levels in Vodarna, where gaseous oxidised mercury levels are highly linked to the cement plant emissions. However, elevated levels of Hg species in the absence of northeastern winds indicate potential inputs from other unknown local sources as well as inputs from regional and global transport mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sreekanth Vijayakumaran Nair
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jože Kotnik
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jan Gačnik
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Igor Živković
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alkuin Maximilian Koenig
- Institut des Géosciences de l'Environnement, Université Grenoble Alpes, CNRS, IRD, Grenoble INP, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Milena Horvat
- Jožef Stefan International Postgraduate School, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova Cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu K, Wu Q, Wang S, Chang X, Tang Y, Wang L, Liu T, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Wang Q, Chen J. Improved atmospheric mercury simulation using updated gas-particle partition and organic aerosol concentrations. J Environ Sci (China) 2022; 119:106-118. [PMID: 35934455 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2022.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The gaseous or particulate forms of divalent mercury (HgII) significantly impact the spatial distribution of atmospheric mercury concentration and deposition flux (FLX). In the new nested-grid GEOS-Chem model, we try to modify the HgII gas-particle partitioning relationship with synchronous and hourly observations at four sites in China. Observations of gaseous oxidized Hg (GOM), particulate-bound Hg (PBM), and PM2.5 were used to derive an empirical gas-particle partitioning coefficient as a function of temperature (T) and organic aerosol (OA) concentrations under different relative humidity (RH). Results showed that with increasing RH, the dominant process of HgII gas-particle partitioning changed from physical adsorption to chemical desorption. And the dominant factor of HgII gas-particle partitioning changed from T to OA concentrations. We thus improved the simulated OA concentration field by introducing intermediate-volatility and semi-volatile organic compounds (I/SVOCs) emission inventory into the model framework and refining the volatile distributions of I/SVOCs according to new filed tests in the recent literatures. Finally, normalized mean biases (NMBs) of monthly gaseous element mercury (GEM), GOM, PBM, WFLX were reduced from -33%-29%, 95%-300%, 64%-261%, 117%-122% to -13%-0%, -20%-80%, -31%-50%, -17%-23%. The improved model explains 69%-98% of the observed atmospheric Hg decrease during 2013-2020 and can serve as a useful tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyun Liu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Xing Chang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Long Wang
- Institute of Atmospheric Environment, Guangdong provincial academy of environmental science, Guangzhou 510045, China
| | - Tonghao Liu
- China National Environmental Monitoring Centre, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qin'geng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jinsheng Chen
- Center for Excellence in Regional Atmos. Environ., Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Qian Y, Liang Y, Cao Q, Wang Z, Shi Y, Liang H. Concentration and speciation of mercury in atmospheric particulates in the Wuda coal fire area, Inner Mongolia, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:3879-3887. [PMID: 34402015 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15805-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Coal-seam fire is a source of atmospheric mercury that is difficult to control. The Wuda Coalfield in Inner Mongolia, China, is one of the most severe coal fire disaster areas worldwide and has been burning for more than 50 years. To investigate atmospheric mercury pollution from the Wuda coal fire, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) concentrations and atmospheric particulate mercury (PHg) speciation were measured using a RA-915+ mercury analyzer and the temperature-programmed desorption method. Near-surface GEM concentrations in the Wuda Coalfield and adjacent urban area were 80 ng m-3 (65-90 ng m-3) and 52 ng m-3 (25-95 ng m-3), respectively, which are far higher than the local background value (22 ng m-3). PHg concentrations in the coalfield and urban area also reached significantly high levels, 33 ng m-3 (25-45 ng m-3) and 22 ng m-3 (14-29 ng m-3), respectively (p < 0.05). There is no clear evidence that PHg combines with organic carbon or elemental carbon, but PHg concentration appears to be controlled by air acidity. PHg mainly exists in inorganic forms, such as HgCl2, HgS, HgO, and Hg(NO3)2·H2O. This work can provide references for the speciation analysis of atmospheric PHg and the safety assessment of environmental mercury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yahui Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yanci Liang
- Center for Imaging and Systems Biology, Minzu University of China, Beijing, 100081, China
| | - Qingyi Cao
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Yunyun Shi
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China
| | - Handong Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Resources and Safe Mining, China University of Mining and Technology, Beijing, 100083, China.
- College of Geoscience and Surveying Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology (Beijing), Beijing, 100083, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Yamakawa A, Amouroux D, Tessier E, Bérail S, Fettig I, Barre JPG, Koschorreck J, Rüdel H, Donard OFX. Hg isotopic composition of one-year-old spruce shoots: Application to long-term Hg atmospheric monitoring in Germany. Chemosphere 2021; 279:130631. [PMID: 34134422 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.130631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The Hg isotopic composition of 1-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies) shoots collected from Saarland cornurbation Warndt, Germany, since 1985 by the German Environmental Specimen Bank, were measured for a better understanding of the temporal trends of Hg sources. The isotopic data showed that Hg was mainly taken up as gaseous element mercury (GEM) and underwent oxidation in the spruce needles; this led to a significant decrease in the δ202Hg compared with the atmospheric Hg isotopic composition observed for deciduous leaves and epiphytic lichens. Observation of the odd mass-independent isotopic fractionation (MIF) indicated that Δ199Hg and Δ201Hg were close to but slightly lower than the actual values recorded from the atmospheric measurement of the GEM isotopic composition in non-contaminated sites in U.S. and Europe, whereas observation of the even-MIF indicated almost no differences for Δ200Hg. This confirmed that GEM is a major source of Hg accumulation in spruce shoots. Interestingly, the Hg isotopic composition in the spruce shoots did not change very significantly during the study period of >30 years, even as the Hg concentration decreased significantly. Even-MIF (Δ200Hg) and mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) (δ202Hg) of the Hg isotopes exhibited slight decrease with time, whereas odd-MIF did not show any clear trend. These results suggest a close link between the long-term evolution of GEM isotopic composition in the air and the isotopic composition of bioaccumulated Hg altered by mass-dependent fraction in the spruce shoots.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akane Yamakawa
- National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2 Onogawa, Tsukuba, 305-8506, Japan.
| | - David Amouroux
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux. Technopôle Hélioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Emmanuel Tessier
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux. Technopôle Hélioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Sylvain Bérail
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux. Technopôle Hélioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Ina Fettig
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien P G Barre
- Advanced Isotopic Analysis, Technopôle Hélioparc Pau Pyrénées, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 09, France
| | - Jan Koschorreck
- German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt), Corrensplatz 1, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Heinz Rüdel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Auf dem Aberg 1, 57392, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Olivier F X Donard
- Universite de Pau et des Pays de l'Adour, E2S UPPA, CNRS, IPREM, Institut des Sciences Analytiques et de Physico-chimie pour l'Environnement et les Matériaux. Technopôle Hélioparc, 2 Avenue Pierre Angot, 64053 Pau Cedex 09, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wu Q, Tang Y, Wang L, Wang S, Han D, Ouyang D, Jiang Y, Xu P, Xue Z, Hu J. Impact of emission reductions and meteorology changes on atmospheric mercury concentrations during the COVID-19 lockdown. Sci Total Environ 2021; 750:142323. [PMID: 33182196 PMCID: PMC7483037 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.142323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Controlling anthropogenic mercury emissions is an ongoing effort and the effect of atmospheric mercury mitigation is expected to be impacted by accelerating climate change. The lockdown measures to restrict the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the following unfavorable meteorology in Beijing provided a natural experiment to examine how air mercury responds to strict control measures when the climate becomes humid and warm. Based on a high-time resolution emission inventory and generalized additive model, we found that air mercury concentration responded almost linearly to the changes in mercury emissions when excluding the impact of other factors. Existing pollution control and additional lockdown measures reduced mercury emissions by 16.7 and 12.5 kg/d during lockdown, respectively, which correspondingly reduced the concentrations of atmospheric mercury by 0.10 and 0.07 ng/m3. Emission reductions from cement clinker production contributed to the largest decrease in atmospheric mercury, implying potential mitigation effects in this sector since it is currently the number one emitter in China. However, changes in meteorology raised atmospheric mercury by 0.41 ng/m3. The increases in relative humidity (9.5%) and temperature (1.2 °C) significantly offset the effect of emission reduction by 0.17 and 0.09 ng/m3, respectively, which highlights the challenge of air mercury control in humid and warm weather and the significance of understanding mercury behavior in the atmosphere and at atmospheric interfaces, especially the impact from relative humidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qingru Wu
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yi Tang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Long Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Academy of Environmental Science, Guangdong Provincial Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Environment Management and Policy Simulation, Guangzhou 510045, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Deming Han
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Daiwei Ouyang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yueqi Jiang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Zhigang Xue
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jingnan Hu
- Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Schiavo B, Morton-Bermea O, Salgado-Martinez E, Hernández-Álvarez E. Evaluation of possible impact on human health of atmospheric mercury emanations from the Popocatépetl volcano. Environ Geochem Health 2020; 42:3717-3729. [PMID: 32508002 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00610-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of Hg from volcanic emanations is decisive for assessing global mercury emissions given the impact of this highly toxic contaminant on human health and ecosystems. Atmospheric Hg emissions from Popocatépetl volcano and their dispersion were evaluated carrying out two gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) surveys during a period of intense volcanic activity. Continuous GEM measurements were taken for 24 h using a portable mercury vapor analyzer (Lumex RA-915M) at the Altzomoni Atmospheric Observatory (AAO), 11 km from the crater. In addition, a long-distance survey to measure GEM was conducted during an automobile transect around the volcano, covering a distance of 129 km. The evaluation of the GEM data registered in the fixed location showed that heightened volcanic activity clearly intensifies the concentration of atmospheric Hg, extreme values around 5 ng m-3. Highest concentrations of GEM recorded during the mobile survey were about 10 ng m-3. In both surveys, the recorded concentrations during most of the measurement time were below 2 ng m-3, but measurements were taken at a considerable distance from the crater, and GEM is subject to dilution processes. During both surveys, recorded GEM did not exceed the 200 ng m-3 concentration recommended by the WHO (Air quality guidelines for Europe, 2000) as the regulatory limits for Hg in the atmospheric environment for long-term inhalation. Because this study was carried out in inhabited areas around the volcano during a period of intense volcanic activity, it can be concluded that the Popocatépetl does not represent a risk to human health in terms of Hg.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Schiavo
- Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - O Morton-Bermea
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - E Salgado-Martinez
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - E Hernández-Álvarez
- Instituto de Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Nguyen LSP, Sheu GR, Lin DW, Lin NH. Temporal changes in atmospheric mercury concentrations at a background mountain site downwind of the East Asia continent in 2006-2016. Sci Total Environ 2019; 686:1049-1056. [PMID: 31200303 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury (Hg) has been monitored at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station (LABS) in Taiwan since April 2006 and is still continuing. Here we reported the trend in gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) concentrations at LABS between April 2006 and December 2016, before the Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017. Previous research indicated nighttime (0-8 am) data collected at LABS are better representative of regional influence. Therefore, only nighttime GEM data were used for trend analysis. A significant decreasing trend in GEM at a rate of -1.5% yr-1 (-0.022 ng m-3 yr-1, p < 0.01) was found, comparable to the decreasing trends observed in Europe, North America, South Africa, and over the North Atlantic Ocean. Five major GEM source regions to the LABS were identified, including northern Indochina Peninsula, China, Northeast Asia, the Pacific Ocean, and South China Sea. Significant decreasing trends in GEM were found for air masses coming from northern Indochina Peninsula (-0.042 ng m-3 yr-1, -2.6% yr-1, p < 0.01), China (-0.041 ng m-3 yr-1, -2.4% yr-1, p < 0.01), Northeast Asia (-0.031 ng m-3 yr-1, -2.0% yr-1, p < 0.05), and the Pacific Ocean (-0.022 ng m-3 yr-1, -1.7% yr-1, p < 0.05). Decreasing GEM trend (-0.020 ng m-3 yr-1, -1.5% yr-1), but insignificant (p > 0.05), was also found for air masses coming from South China Sea. The decreasing trends observed with air from the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea indicated declining background GEM concentrations in Northern Hemisphere. Decrease in GEM concentrations at the LABS was in agreement with the reduction in atmospheric Hg export from the East Asia continent caused by changes in Hg emission quantity and speciation, and temporal and spatial distribution in emission sources that have been suggested by recent research. Additionally, changes in the frequency distribution of air mass origins and transport paths may also contribute to the changes in GEM concentrations at LABS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ly Sy Phu Nguyen
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| | - Guey-Rong Sheu
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan.
| | - Da-Wei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| | - Neng-Huei Lin
- Department of Atmospheric Sciences, National Central University, Jhongli 320, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sun R. Mercury Stable Isotope Fractionation During Coal Combustion in Coal-Fired Boilers: Reconciling Atmospheric Hg Isotope Observations with Hg Isotope Fractionation Theory. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 2019; 102:657-664. [PMID: 30603766 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-018-2531-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) stable isotope is a useful tool to understand the transformation of atmospheric Hg. The observation on the enrichment of heavier isotopes in gaseous elemental Hg (GEM) relative to oxidized HgII species in atmosphere cannot be convincingly explained by isotope fractionation of Hg redox processes. This review shows that the large Hg isotope mass dependent fractionation (MDF) in coal-fired boilers is one of the underlying reasons. The reported Hg isotope data of feed coals and their combustion products are first summarized to give a general overview of how Hg isotopes fractionate before Hg discharge from coal-fired boilers. Then, predictive MDF models are discussed to simulate δ202Hg values of different Hg species in coal combustion flue gases. The discharged GEM is predicted to have the highest δ202Hg followed by gaseous HgII and particulate-bound HgII, which is in consistent with the observed MDF pattern of atmospheric Hg species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Sciences, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yu G, Qin X, Xu J, Zhou Q, Wang B, Huang K, Deng C. Characteristics of particulate-bound mercury at typical sites situated on dust transport paths in China. Sci Total Environ 2019; 648:1151-1160. [PMID: 30340261 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.08.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The concentrations and seasonal variations of PBM (particulate-bound mercury) were observed at four dust source sites (Duolun, Yulin, Hetian, and Tazhong), two megacities (Shanghai and Beijing), and an island site (Huaniao Island) to obtain the spatiotemporal characteristics of PBM in dust transport path from desert area in China to the East China Sea. The highest annual mean concentrations of PBM in TSP (PBMTSP) were observed at megacity sites, reaching 146.7 pg/m3 and 274.7 pg/m3 in Shanghai and Beijing attributed primarily to anthropogenic emissions, while 39.7 pg/m3, 67.3 pg/m3, 61.0 pg/m3, 23.5 pg/m3 and 43.6 pg/m3 over Duolun, Yulin, Hetian, Tazhong, and Huaniao Island, respectively. PBM concentrations were higher in winter and autumn, while lower in spring and summer due to the variation of meteorological conditions (especially temperature and wind speed) together with the emission sources. Enrichment factors (EFs) of PBMTSP and PBM2.5 reached 158 and 1452 in Beijing, showing the serious anthropogenic emissions impacted on PBM pollution in megacities, and the profound high level of EFs of mercury in sand dust source sites (17-64 for TSP and 38-252 for PM2.5), suggesting the obvious mixing effect of dust and anthropogenic aerosols in dust source areas. Human activities played a major role in the increase of PBM concentrations and the enrichment factors during the long-range transport of air mass in China. The significant anthropogenic mercury emissions in the dust source areas and their long-range transport driven by the East Asian Monsoon might impact on the ecological cycle of mercury and should be taken into the mercury inventories. Coal combustion and smelting contributed 52-94% to PBM over all three types of sampling sites, and mining operations were additional sources of PBM in Yulin. In the coastal area, sea salt is an important source of PBM, and shipping could also contribute a certain proportion to PBM pollution which shouldn't be ignored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangyuan Yu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Xiaofei Qin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jian Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Kan Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Congrui Deng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Black O, Chen J, Scircle A, Zhou Y, Cizdziel JV. Adaption and use of a quadcopter for targeted sampling of gaseous mercury in the atmosphere. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2018; 25:13195-13202. [PMID: 29569200 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-018-1775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
We modified a popular and inexpensive quadcopter to collect gaseous mercury (Hg) on gold-coated quartz cartridges, and analyzed the traps using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Flight times averaged 16 min, limited by battery life, and yielded > 5 pg of Hg, well above the limit of detection (< 0.2 pg). We measured progressively higher concentrations upon both vertical and lateral approaches to a dish containing elemental Hg, demonstrating that the method can detect Hg emissions from a point source. Using the quadcopter, we measured atmospheric Hg near anthropogenic emission sources in the mid-south USA, including a municipal landfill, coal-fired power plant (CFPP), and a petroleum refinery. Average concentrations (± standard deviation) immediately downwind of the landfill were higher at ground level and 30 m compared to 60 and 120 m (5.3 ± 0.5 ng m-3, 5.4 ± 0.7 ng m-3, 4.2 ± 0.7 ng m-3, and 2.5 ± 0.3 ng m-3, respectively). Concentrations were also higher at an urban/industrial area (Memphis) (3.3 ± 0.9 ng m-3) compared with a rural/background area (1.5 ± 0.2 ng m-3). Due to airspace flight restrictions near the CFPP and refinery, we were unable to access near-field (stack) plumes and did not observe differences between upwind and downwind locations. Overall, this study demonstrates that highly maneuverable multicopters can be used to probe Hg concentrations aloft, which may be particularly useful for evaluating Hg emissions from remote landscapes and transient sources that are inadequately characterized and leading to uncertainties in ecosystem budgets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Black
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Jingjing Chen
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, No.18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, China
| | - Austin Scircle
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Ying Zhou
- College of Chemical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, No.18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou, 310032, Zhejiang, China.
| | - James V Cizdziel
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Hong Y, Chen J, Deng J, Tong L, Xu L, Niu Z, Yin L, Chen Y, Hong Z. Pattern of atmospheric mercury speciation during episodes of elevated PM2.5 levels in a coastal city in the Yangtze River Delta, China. Environ Pollut 2016; 218:259-268. [PMID: 27431698 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.06.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Measurement of atmospheric mercury speciation was conducted in a coastal city of the Yangtze River Delta, China from July 2013 to January 2014, in conjunction with air pollutants and meteorological parameters. The mean concentrations of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), particulate bound mercury (HgP) and reactive gaseous mercury (RGM) were 3.26 ± 1.63 ng m-3, 659 ± 931 pg m-3, and 197 ± 246 pg m-3, respectively. High percentages of HgP during haze days were found, due to the increase in direct emissions and gas-particle partitioning of RGM. The average gas-particle partitioning coefficients (Kp) during moderate or severe haze days (PM2.5 > 150 μg m-3) were obviously decreased. GEM and HgP were positively correlated with PM2.5, SO2, NO2 and CO, suggesting a significant contribution of anthropogenic sources. Elevated HgP concentrations in cold seasons and in the morning were observed while RGM exhibited different seasonal and diurnal pattern. The ratio of HgP/SO2 and Pearson correlation analysis suggested that coal combustion was the main cause of increasing atmospheric Hg concentrations. The monitoring site was affected by local, regional and interregional sources. The back trajectory analysis suggested that air mass from northwest China and Huabei Plain contributed to elevated atmospheric Hg in winter and autumn, while southeast China with clean air masses were the major contributor in summer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youwei Hong
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of the Cause and Prevention of Urban Air Pollution Complex, Shanghai, 200233, PR China
| | - Jinsheng Chen
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China.
| | - Junjun Deng
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China
| | - Lei Tong
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China
| | - Lingling Xu
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China
| | - Zhenchuan Niu
- Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China
| | - Liqian Yin
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China
| | - Yanting Chen
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Ningbo Urban Environment Observation and Research Station-NUEORS, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Ningbo, 315800, PR China
| | - Zhenyu Hong
- Center for Excellence in Urban Atmospheric Environment, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; Key Lab of Urban Environment and Health, Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen, 361021, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Nakazawa K, Nagafuchi O, Kawakami T, Inoue T, Yokota K, Serikawa Y, Cyio B, Elvince R. Human health risk assessment of mercury vapor around artisanal small-scale gold mining area, Palu city, Central Sulawesi, Indonesia. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2016; 124:155-162. [PMID: 26513531 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2015.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Emissions of elemental mercury, Hg(0), from artisanal small-scale gold mining activities accounted for 37% of total global Hg(0) emissions in 2010. People who live near gold-mining areas may be exposed to high concentrations of Hg(0). Here, we assessed the human health risk due to Hg(0) exposure among residents of Palu city (Central Sulawesi Province, Indonesia). The area around the city has more than 60t of gold reserves, and the nearby Poboya area is the most active gold-mining site in Indonesia. Owing to its geography, the city experiences alternating land and sea breezes. Sampling was done over a period of 3 years (from 2010 Aug. to 2012 Dec.) intermittently with a passive sampler for Hg(0), a portable handheld mercury analyzer, and a mercury analyzer in four areas of the city and in the Poboya gold-processing area, as well as wind speeds and directions in one area of the city. The 24-h average concentration, wind speed, and wind direction data show that the ambient air in both the gold-processing area and the city was always covered by high concentration of mercury vapor. The Hg(0) concentration in the city was higher at night than in the daytime, owing to the effect of land breezes. These results indicate that the inhabitants of the city were always exposed to high concentrations of Hg(0). The average daytime point-sample Hg(0) concentrations in the city, as measured with a handheld mercury analyzer over 3 days in July 2011, ranged from 2096 to 3299ngm(-3). In comparison, the average daytime Hg(0) concentration in the Poboya gold-processing area was 12,782ngm(-3). All of these concentrations are substantially higher than the World Health Organization air-quality guideline for annual average Hg exposure (1000ngm(-3)). We used the point-sample concentrations to calculate hazard quotient ratios by means of a probabilistic risk assessment method. The results indicated that 93% of the sample population overall was at risk (hazard quotient ratio ≥1 and cut off at the 95th percentile value of the sample population) of mercury toxicity, that is, damage to the central nervous system due to chronic exposure. The corresponding percentages for the northern, central, southern, and western areas of the city were 83%, 84%, 95%, and 95%, respectively. Our results indicate that the residents of Palu city are at serious risk from exposure to high concentrations of atmospheric Hg(0).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koyomi Nakazawa
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Shiga Prefecture, 2500 Hassaka-cho, Hikone, Shiga 522-8533, Japan
| | - Osamu Nagafuchi
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, School of Environmental Sciences, University of Shiga Prefecture, 2500 Hassaka-cho, Hikone, Shiga 522-8533, Japan.
| | - Tomonori Kawakami
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Takanobu Inoue
- Department of Architecture and Civil engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1, Hibarigaoka, Tenpaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
| | - Kuriko Yokota
- Department of Architecture and Civil engineering, Toyohashi University of Technology, 1-1, Hibarigaoka, Tenpaku-cho, Toyohashi, Aichi 441-8580, Japan
| | - Yuka Serikawa
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Toyama Prefectural University, 5180 Kurokawa, Imizu, Toyama 939-0398, Japan
| | - Basir Cyio
- Department of Social Science, Agrotechnology, Tadulako University, JI Soekarno Hatta Km 09, Palu City, Central Sulawesi 94118, Indonesia
| | - Rosana Elvince
- Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palankaraya, Tunjung Nyaho Jalan Yos Sudaiso, Palankaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Li P, Yang Y, Xiong W. Impacts of Mercury Pollution Controls on Atmospheric Mercury Concentration and Occupational Mercury Exposure in a Hospital. Biol Trace Elem Res 2015; 168:330-4. [PMID: 26041155 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-015-0391-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) and Hg-containing products are used in a wide range of settings in hospitals. Hg pollution control measures were carried out in the pediatric ward of a hospital to decrease the possibility of Hg pollution occurring and to decrease occupational Hg exposure. Total gaseous Hg (TGM) concentrations in the pediatric ward and hair and urine Hg concentrations for the pediatric staff were determined before and after the Hg pollution control measures had been implemented. A questionnaire survey performed indicated that the pediatric staff had little understanding of Hg pollution and that appropriate disposal techniques were not always used after Hg leakage. TGM concentrations in the pediatric ward and urine Hg (UHg) concentrations for the pediatric staff were 25.7 and 22.2% lower, respectively, after the Hg pollution control measures had been implemented than before, which indicated that the control measures were effective. However, TGM concentrations in the pediatric ward remained significantly higher than background concentrations and UHg concentrations for the pediatric staff were remained significantly higher than the concentrations in control group, indicating continued existence of certain Hg pollution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China.
| | - Yan Yang
- Pediatric Comprehensive Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Wuyan Xiong
- Pediatric Comprehensive Ward, Affiliated Hospital of Guiyang Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Soares LC, Egreja Filho FB, Linhares LA, Windmoller CC, Yoshida MI. Accumulation and oxidation of elemental mercury in tropical soils. Chemosphere 2015; 134:181-91. [PMID: 25950134 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/09/2015] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of chemical and mineralogical soil properties in the retention and oxidation of atmospheric mercury in tropical soils is discussed based on thermal desorption analysis. The retention of gaseous mercury by tropical soils varied greatly both quantitatively and qualitatively with soil type. The average natural mercury content of soils was 0.08 ± 0.06 μg g(-1) with a maximum of 0.215 ± 0.009 μg g(-1). After gaseous Hg(0) incubation experiments, mercury content of investigated soils ranged from 0.6 ± 0.2 to 735 ± 23 μg g(-1), with a mean value of 44 ± 146 μg g(-1). Comparatively, A horizon of almost all soil types adsorbed more mercury than B horizon from the same soil, which demonstrates the key role of organic matter in mercury adsorption. In addition to organic matter, pH and CEC also appear to be important soil characteristics for the adsorption of mercury. All thermograms showed Hg(2+) peaks, which were predominant in most of them, indicating that elemental mercury oxidized in tropical soils. After four months of incubation, the thermograms showed oxidation levels from 70% to 100%. As none of the samples presented only the Hg(0) peak, and the soils retained varying amounts of mercury despite exposure under the same incubation conditions, it became clear that oxidation occurred on soil surface. Organic matter seemed to play a key role in mercury oxidation through complexation/stabilization of the oxidized forms. The lower percentages of available mercury (extracted with KNO3) in A horizons when compared to B horizons support this idea.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liliane Catone Soares
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernando Barboza Egreja Filho
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
| | - Lucília Alves Linhares
- Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Aplicadas, Instituto de Ciências Exatas e Aplicadas, Universidade Federal de Ouro Preto, 35931-008 João Monlevade, MG, Brazil
| | - Cláudia Carvalhinho Windmoller
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Irene Yoshida
- Departamento de Química, Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ancora MP, Zhang L, Wang S, Schreifels J, Hao J. Economic analysis of atmospheric mercury emission control for coal-fired power plants in China. J Environ Sci (China) 2015; 33:125-134. [PMID: 26141885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jes.2015.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Coal combustion and mercury pollution are closely linked, and this relationship is particularly relevant in China, the world's largest coal consumer. This paper begins with a summary of recent China-specific studies on mercury removal by air pollution control technologies and then provides an economic analysis of mercury abatement from these emission control technologies at coal-fired power plants in China. This includes a cost-effectiveness analysis at the enterprise and sector level in China using 2010 as a baseline and projecting out to 2020 and 2030. Of the control technologies evaluated, the most cost-effective is a fabric filter installed upstream of the wet flue gas desulfurization system (FF+WFGD). Halogen injection (HI) is also a cost-effective mercury-specific control strategy, although it has not yet reached commercial maturity. The sector-level analysis shows that 193 tons of mercury was removed in 2010 in China's coal-fired power sector, with annualized mercury emission control costs of 2.7 billion Chinese Yuan. Under a projected 2030 Emission Control (EC) scenario with stringent mercury limits compared to Business As Usual (BAU) scenario, the increase of selective catalytic reduction systems (SCR) and the use of HI could contribute to 39 tons of mercury removal at a cost of 3.8 billion CNY. The economic analysis presented in this paper offers insights on air pollution control technologies and practices for enhancing atmospheric mercury control that can aid decision-making in policy design and private-sector investments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pia Ancora
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Regional Environmental Quality, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Regional Environmental Quality, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shuxiao Wang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Regional Environmental Quality, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China.
| | - Jeremy Schreifels
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jiming Hao
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Sources and Control of Air Pollution Complex, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Jiang Y, Cizdziel JV, Lu D. Temporal patterns of atmospheric mercury species in northern Mississippi during 2011-2012: influence of sudden population swings. Chemosphere 2013; 93:1694-1700. [PMID: 23769469 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2013.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM) and particulate bound mercury (PBM) were measured on the University of Mississippi campus from July 2011 to June 2012. It is believed to be the first time that concentrations of atmospheric mercury species have been documented in northern Mississippi, and at a location with relatively large and sudden swings in population. The mean concentration (±1 SD) of GEM was 1.54±0.32 ng m(-3); levels were lower and generally more stable during the winter (1.48±0.22) and spring (1.46±0.27) compared with the summer (1.56±0.32) and fall (1.63±0.42). Mean concentrations for GOM and PBM were 3.87 pg m(-3) and 4.58 pg m(-3), respectively; levels tended to be highest in the afternoon and lowest in the early morning hours. During the fall and spring academic semesters concentrations and variability of GOM and PBM both increased, possibly from vehicle exhaust. There were moderate negative correlations with wind speed (all species) and humidity (GOM and PBM). Backward air mass trajectory modeling for the ten highest peaks for each mercury species revealed that the majority of these events occurred from air masses that passed through the northern continental US region. Overall, this study illustrates the complexity of temporal fluctuations of airborne mercury species, even in a small town environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jiang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Mississippi, University, MS 38677, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vaselli O, Higueras P, Nisi B, María Esbrí J, Cabassi J, Martínez-Coronado A, Tassi F, Rappuoli D. Distribution of gaseous Hg in the Mercury mining district of Mt. Amiata (Central Italy): a geochemical survey prior the reclamation project. Environ Res 2013; 125:179-187. [PMID: 23477568 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2012.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2012] [Revised: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 12/04/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The Mt. Amiata volcano is the youngest and largest volcanic edifice in Tuscany (central-northern Italy) and is characterized by a geothermal field, exploited for the production of electrical energy. In the past Mt. Amiata was also known as a world-class Hg district whose mining activity was mainly distributed in the central-eastern part of this silicic volcanic complex, and particularly in the municipality of Abbadia San Salvatore. In the present work we report a geochemical survey on Hg(0) measurements related to the former mercury mine facilities prior the reclamation project. The Hg(0) measurements were carried out by car for long distance regional surveys, and on foot for local scale surveys by using two LUMEX (915+ and M) devices. This study presents the very first Hg(0) data obtained with this analytical technique in the Mt. Amiata area. The facilities related to the mining areas and structures where cinnabar was converted to metallic Hg are characterized by high Hg values (>50,000ngm(-3)), although the urban center of Abbadia San Salvatore, few hundred meters away, does not appear to be receiving significant pollution from the calcine area and former industrial edifices, all the recorded values being below the values recommended by the issuing Tuscany Region authorities (300ngm(-3)) and in some cases approaching the Hg background levels (3-5ngm(-3)) for the Mt. Amiata area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Vaselli
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra, Via G. Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy; CNR-IGG Istituto di Geoscienze e Georisorse, Via G. Pira, 4, 50121 Firenze, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|