Atmospheric sources,transport and deposition of mercury in Michigan: Two years of event precipitation

To assess the sources, transport and deposition of atmospheric mercury (Hg) in Michigan, a multi-site network was implemented in which Hg concentrations in event precipitation and ambient samples (vapor and participate phases) were determined. Results from the analysis of 2 years of event precipitation samples for Hg are reported here. The volume-weighted average Hg concentration in precipitation was 7.9, 10.8 and 10.2 ng/L for the Pellston, South Haven and Dexter sites, respectively. Yearly wet deposition of Hg for 1992–93 and 1993–94 was 5.8 and 5.5 μg/m² at Pellston, 9.5 and 12.7 μg/m² at South Haven and 8.7 and 9.1 μg/m at Dexter. A spatial gradient in both the Hg concentration and wet deposition was observed. Northern Michigan received almost half the deposition of Hg recorded at the southern Michigan sites. The concentration of Hg in precipitation exhibited a strong seasonal behavior with low values of 1.0 to 2.0 ng/L in winter and maximum values greater than 40 ng/L in summer. The spring, summer and autumn precipitation accounted for 89 to 91% of the total yearly Hg deposition. Mixed-layer back trajectories were calculated for each precipitation event to investigate the meteorological history and transport from potential Hg source regions. Elevated Hg concentrations were observed with air mass transport from the west, southwest, south, and southeast. At each of the sites precipitation events for which the Hg concentration was in the 90th and 10th percentile were-analyzed for trace elements by ICP-MS to investigate source impacts.     

Mercury transport,transformation, and bioaccumulation in the ecosystem of mercury — stibium geochemical province

A simple analytic technique — isotope dilution — was used for determination of the contents of total and methilated Hg in water, sediments, soils and biological objects collected in the basin of the river Katun. The inspected region is located on a territory of two mercury-stibium geochemical provinces. Evaluation of the Hg transport, transformation and bioaccumulation in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the region showed that the main Hg transport occurs on suspended solids after Hg has been washed out from soil and bedrock by water of the river Katun and its tributaries and also by underground waters. Bottom sediments of some rivers of the basin content increased Hg concentrations. This effect is also noted in the sediments of a small reservoir formed on one of the tributaries. The investigations showed that Hg originating from natural sources differs considerably in its biochemical characteristics from Hg compounds coming from anthropogenic sources. So, natural Hg compounds have lower bioavailability for the water and terrestrial organisms of the region.     

Particulate selenium in the baltic sea atmosphere

In order to determine the concentrations of atmospheric selenium and divide it into size classes, aerosols were collected on nitro-cellulose filters, using the PIXE impactors, at three coastal stations in Preila (Lithuania), Hoburg (Gotland, Sweden) and Kap Arkona (Rugia Island, Germany). The determination of selenium and other elements in samples was made using the TXRF (total-reflection X-ray fluorescence) analysis. Air mass trajectories and the results of selenium studies indicate that the highest concentrations of selenium occur with air masses advecting from western and southwestern Europe, while the smallest concentrations were observed for air masses from north and northeastern Europe. It was confirmed that submicron particles of sizes smaller than 2 μm dominate the transport of suspended selenium. It was revealed that selenium in the air above the Baltic Sea is mainly of anthropogenic origin and originates in the same sources as the trace metals such as Cu, Pb and Zn.     

Particulate lead pollution in Rome's atmosphere

Aerosol Pb pollution in Rome was simultaneously measured at four different places and at two different levels (0.5 and 1.5 m) in April, September, November 1972 and January 1973. The traffic intensity and several meteorological parameters were recorded to determine their influence on aereosol pollution, diffusion and decay. Lead pollution was practically constant during the year, depending mainly on the local traffic intensity and to a lesser extent on meteorological conditions. Local micrometeorology seems to be strongly correlated with Pb pollution. There is a rough dependence on the wind speed and the decay time appears to be less than 1 day. Our results are in agreement within an order of magnitude with similar measurements of Pb pollution in other urban areas comparable in size with Rome.     

阿特拉津在土壤, 矿物质及堆肥中的吸附, 运输和转化

Atrazine is a widely used herbicide for controlling weeds on both agricultural and nonagricultural land,which is equally detected in water supplies beyond safe concentrations.Although the presence of atrazine metabolites is an indication of herbicide degradation,some of them still exhibit toxicity,greater water solubility and weaker interaction with soil components than atrazine.Hence,studies with atrazine in the environment are of interest because of its potential to contaminate drinking water sources.Data on atrazine availability for transport,plant uptake,and microbial degradation and mineralization are therefore required to perform more comprehensive and realistic environmental risk assessments of its environmental fate.This review presents an account of the sorption-desorption phenomenon of atrazine on soil and other sorbents by revisiting the several mechanisms of atrazine-sorbent binding reported in the literature.The retention and transport of atrazine in soils;the influence of organic matter on atrazine sorption;the interactions of atrazine with humic substances,atrazine uptake by plants,atrazine bioccumulation and microbial degradation;atrazine transformation in composting environments;and finally atrazine removal by biosorption are discussed.     

Is mercury increasing in the atmosphere? The need for an atmospheric mercury network (AMNET)

Mercury uses in human endeavors will lead to a general, though variable, volatilization of Hg. Current estimates for anthropogenic interferences range from about 50 to 75% of the total annual Hg emissions to the atmosphere. Recent modeling suggests that the present atmospheric Hg burden has increased by a factor of 3 during the last 100 years with a current rate of increase of about 0.6% yr^?1 (ca. 0.01ng m^?3yr^?1). This impact, which is significant, can be examined and assessed empirically. To date, however, atmospheric Hg programs have not employed an experimental design sufficient to account for short time scale atmospheric Hg variations of natural and anthropogenic origin, and to resolve the long term temporal pattern. I am proposing an international research program, AMNET, or Atmospheric Hg Network, to address the important question, “Is Hg increasing in the atmosphere?” AMNET would examine temporal and spatial variations in atmospheric Hg and assess the influence of natural and anthropogenic sources on the global atmospheric Hg cycle. This program requires international support and cooperation. The experimental design of AMNET would follow the successful Atmospheric Lifetime Experiment Program (ALE), which examined the contemporary temporal changes in the atmospheric concentrations of the freons, methyl chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and nitrous oxide. Following the ALE design, AMNET sampling stations would be maintained in both hemispheres and at sites free from strong local pollution sources of Hg (e.g., remote islands). Measurements would be made for a period of three to five years. The precision and accuracy of the Hg⁰ determinations must be ≥ 1%. The accurate resolution of the variability and secular trends in the atmospheric Hg burden can provide: (1) a direct quantitative assessment of the scale to which anthropogenic processes are affecting the natural biogeochemical cycling of Hg; (2) an essential refinement and constraint currently lacking in mass balance models; (3) an enhanced knowledge of the behavior of Hg in the atmosphere, and (4) an accurate data base required for global circulation atmospheric chemical Hg models.     

Sampling and determination of gaseous and particulate mercury in the atmosphere using gold-coated denuders

Gold-coated denuders have been used to separate gas phase and particulate phase Hg in air samples. The denuders were 65 cm long with a 0.4 cm i.d. and were capable of removing >99.9% of the vapor phase elemental Hg in an air stream at flow rates of about 1 L min^?1. Data were obtained at different sampling locations around the city of Göteborg. The concentration of particulate Hg was found to be within the range of 0.11 to 0.57 ng m^?3, which corresponds to 2.8 to 16.9% of the total airborne Hg. Positive correlations between the concentration of particulate Hg and that of soot and suspended particles as well as a negative correlation between the concentration of particulate Hg and relative humidity were observed.     

基于泥沙指纹识别的小流域颗粒态磷来源解析

控制泥沙迁移一直是流域管理的重点,而泥沙携带污染物与养分(磷)对下游水体的影响愈发引起关注。研究泥沙来源的位置、特征及各来源对泥沙输出的贡献,有助于针对重点源区实施水土流失以及水污染治理措施。农业小流域中磷的输出以泥沙吸附的颗粒态磷为主,研究泥沙来源可为探讨颗粒态磷的来源提供重要基础。复合指纹技术是一种可靠的泥沙源解析方法,但在一些地表物质相对均一、输沙量较小、受人为因素影响较多的东部小流域,能否应用指纹识别法解析泥沙来源并探讨颗粒态磷来源还需要验证。该文以南京市九乡河上游小流域为研究区,尝试以指纹识别技术分析流域泥沙来源为基础,进而研究不同来源对颗粒态磷输出的相对贡献。研究结果表明,农田对泥沙输出的贡献为25.3%~65.2%,对颗粒态磷输出的贡献达52.2%~85.8%;矿山及道路施工用地对泥沙输出的贡献为34.8%~74.7%,但是对颗粒态磷输出的贡献仅为14.2%~47.7%;而来源于林地的泥沙与颗粒态磷总体上均不到0.1%。复合指纹技术不但能够有效识别泥沙来源,且以泥沙源解析来研究颗粒态磷来源,能够为基础资料缺乏地区提高颗粒态磷来源识别的合理性以及流域非点源磷污染控制提供一种思路和方法。     

An experimental study of two potential methylation agents of mercury in the atmosphere: CH3I and DMS

Experimental results from a study of the gas and aqueous phase reactions of elemental mercury (Hg⁰) with methyl iodide (CH₃I) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) are presented. In aqueous phase experiments with CH₃I we found no observable increase in methyl mercury (MeHg). A small formation of MeHg, however, was observed in some (but not all) gas phase experiments in sunlight. A loss of Hg⁰ and a simultaneous formation of oxidized mercury (Hg(II)) was also observed in these experiments. No reaction, neither methylation or oxidation, was found between Hg⁰ and DMS under any conditions investigated. These experiments suggest that a simple homogeneous gas or aqueous phase methylation of Hg⁰ by DMS or CH₃I in the atmosphere cannot account for the significant levels of MeHg observed in precipitation.     

Modeling the transport and fate of mercury in an urban lake (Onondaga Lake,NY)

A mass balance model was developed to simulate mercury (Hg) cycling in Onondaga Lake, New York. MERC4, a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency model of the physical and biogeochemical transport and transformation of Hg, was modified by the addition of input from two supporting models (Fish Bioenergetics Model 2 and a lake eutrophication model) to model the transport of Hg into and out of plankton and fish. The model calculates the concentrations of total Hg, methylmercury, elemental Hg, and ionic Hg in both dissolved and particulate forms in the water column. The model was calibrated to an extensive data set of temporally and spatially variable Hg concentrations in Onondaga Lake in 1992. In addition to standard transport processes of advection and dispersion included in MERC4, the Onondaga Lake Mercury Model includes remineralization to simulate release of Hg from settling particulates before incorporation into sediment. The model provides an analytical framework for understanding and predicting the behavior of Hg in Onondaga Lake and has potential use in evaluating the relative impact of different source control and remedial alternatives.     

Transformation processes involving mercury species in the atmosphere — results from a literature survey

Mercury is released into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources. Once in the air, Hg species will be dispersed, chemically and physically transformed, and transported over varying distances (regional, continental and global scales) while concurrently being subjected to removal processes. Modeling of the aerial transport and deposition of Hg to receptor sites offers an attractive approach for integrating existing experimental data and represents an important tool for advancing our understanding of environmental Hg pollution. Comprehensive modeling efforts of the atmospheric pathways and fate of this heavy metal require knowledge of its atmospheric chemistry. To update and consolidate available information relevant to the atmospheric chemistry of Hg, a computer-assisted search was undertaken of the primary scientific literature published during the last ten years. Selected results from this literature survey are presented in this paper.     

Historical sediment mercury deposition for select South Dakota,USA, lakes: implications for watershed transport and flooding

Purpose

Select South Dakota, USA water bodies, including both natural lakes and man-made impoundments, were sampled and analyzed to assess mercury (Hg) dynamics and historical patterns of total Hg deposition.

Materials and methods

Sediment cores were collected from seven South Dakota lakes. Mercury concentrations and flux profiles were determined using lead (²¹⁰Pb) dating and sedimentation rates.

Results and discussion

Most upper lake sediments contained variable heavy metal concentrations, but became more consistent with depth and age. Five of the seven lakes exhibited Hg accumulation fluxes that peaked between 1920 and 1960, while the remaining two lakes exhibited recent (1995–2009) Hg flux spikes. Historical sediment accumulation rates and Hg flux profiles demonstrate similar peak and stabilized values. Mercury in the sampled South Dakota lakes appears to emanate from watershed transport due to erosion from agricultural land use common to the Northern Great Plains.

Conclusions

For sampled South Dakota lakes, watershed inputs are more significant sources of Hg than atmospheric deposition.

     

Sulfur and iron influence the transformation and accumulation of mercury and methylmercury in the soil-rice system

Journal of Soils and Sediments - Much attention is directed to the accumulation of mercury and methylmercury (MeHg) in rice grown on Hg-contaminated paddy fields, since they pose a risk to the...     

Mercury in the Swedish mor layer — linkages to mercury deposition and sources of emission

The report deals with data from 363 Swedish mor samples. The following parameters are discussed: Hg-, organic and Se-concentrations and Hg-quantity in mor, Hg- and S-deposition from Swedish and continental emissions (point sources and diffuse emissions) and precipitation. The results are focused on mean, geographical variations, statistical correlations and calculations to get first insights and order of magnitude data on the linkages between the Hg-contamination of the Swedish mor layer and the various sources of Hg-emissions. Southern Sweden is significantly influenced by continental Hg-emissions. Several previously unknown domestic discharge sources of Hg have been identified. The total amount of Hg in the Swedish mor layer has been estimated to be about 615 t. East. Germany, United Kingdom, West Germany and Poland seem to have contributed with the largest continental emissions of Hg entering the Swedish mor layers. The countries which early started to build up their industry probably are responsible for greater Hg-contamination than indicated by our figures, and vice versa. If no measures are taken to reduce the emissions, the present contamination will continue. Then, the ‘burden of guilt’ ought to be redistributed so that a higher proportion of the Swedish Hg-contamination would be linked to continental discharges since considerable reductions have already occurred as regards Hg-discharges from large Swedish sources. The problems with elevated Hg-levels in the mor layer and, at the end point, the high concentrations of Hg in lake fish in Sweden, will remain far into the next century.     

Occurence and transport of mercury within a small catchment area

To contribute to the understanding of Hg flow to forest lakes the storage of Hg in the soil of a catchment was quantified, the transport of Hg from the recharge area to the discharge area was studied and a mass balance for different soil horizons was calculated. The transport of Hg in soil, ground and stream water was estimated using water flows from a hydrological model and by determining Hg in water sampled with a clean procedure. The estimate for the annual Hg flux out of the till overburden in the catchment was 3.4 g km⁻². The annual flux was reduced to 1.3 g km⁻² in the stream, indicating interception in a lake. The transport was predominantly taking place in the upper 50 cm of the soil. The storage of Hg in the soil was 8.8 kg km⁻², which is large compared to the flux. A net accumulation, amounting to 80% of the Hg deposition, is almost entirely located to the nor layer.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine sediments of the Hellenic coastal zone, eastern Mediterranean: levels, sources and toxicological significance

Purpose  

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread in sediments, particularly near areas of intense human activities. Due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic behaviour, PAHs are classified as priority contaminants to be monitored in environmental quality control schemes. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of PAHs in major coastal areas of Greece that receive various pressures, investigate their sources and evaluate their potential toxicity by comparison against effects-based Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG).     

The effect of different TiO2 nanoparticles on the release and transformation of mercury in sediment

Journal of Soils and Sediments - The environmental safety of both nano-TiO2 particles and mercury (Hg) pollution has been of widespread concern. Soils and sediments were the main receiving...     

Acrylamide in foods: occurrence,sources, and modeling

Acrylamide in food products-chiefly in commercially available potato chips, potato fries, cereals, and bread-was determined by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Samples were homogenized with water/dichloromethane, centrifuged, and filtered through a 5 kDa filter. The filtrate was cleaned up on mixed mode, anion and cation exchange (Oasis MAX and MCX) and carbon (Envirocarb) cartridges. Analysis was done by isotope dilution ([D(3)]- or [(13)C(3)]acrylamide) electrospray LC-MS/MS using a 2 x 150 mm (or 2 x 100 mm) Thermo HyperCarb column eluted with 1 mM ammonium formate in 15% (or 10% for the 2 x 100 mm column) methanol. Thirty samples of foods were analyzed. Concentrations of acrylamide varied from 14 ng/g (bread) to 3700 ng/g (potato chips). Acrylamide was formed during model reactions involving heating of mixtures of amino acids and glucose in ratios similar to those found in potatoes. In model reactions between amino acids and glucose, asparagine was found to be the main precursor of acrylamide. Thus, in the reaction between nitrogen-15 (amido)-labeled asparagine and glucose, corresponding (15)N-labeled acrylamide was formed. The yield of the model reaction is approximately 0.1%.     

Fate of anthracene in contaminated soil: transport and biochemical transformation under unsaturated flow conditions

To obtain reliable estimates for the loss of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from contaminated soils, one has to distinguish between (i) losses due to release and solute transport and (ii) losses resulting from degradation. We studied the interplay of these processes in a column experiment representing a typical soil contamination scenario: in the upper part of the column was a contaminated layer, spiked with 9‐¹³C‐labelled anthracene, and beneath it uncontaminated pristine soil. The experimental course comprised a steady‐state flow phase (constant irrigation for 4 months) followed by several periods during which flow was halted. The effects of varied residence time on anthracene biodegradation and on anthracene mass transfer were investigated. We monitored labelled anthracene and its transformation products, dissolved organic carbon, electric conductivity (EC), pH, and inorganic carbonate content in the column effluent, and the CO₂ evolved. Under steady‐state flow, pH, dissolved organic C, and EC approached steady states after 350 pore volumes. Concentrations of anthracene in the effluent, however, increased continuously and levelled off after 800 pore volumes. This marked retardation reflects the great affinity of anthracene to soil organic matter. The response to interruptions in the flow revealed that mass is transferred without equilibrium between solid and liquid phase for both anthracene and dissolved organic C. Thus, residence time is one factor controlling the concentration of anthracene in the effluent and therefore the export of contaminant to the aquifer. In the course of the experiment several labelled anthracene degradation products appeared in the effluent. At least three of them were identified as transformation products showing a dramatic increase in mobility relative to the parent compound. A third of the overall anthracene loss from the column was due to solute transport, and biodegradation was responsible for the remaining two thirds. The incomplete degradation of anthracene leads to the formation of highly mobile transformation products and thus promotes the export of carbon, derived from the contaminant.     

土壤水氮迁移转化与作物生长耦合模拟

定量描述农田土壤-作物系统中水氮迁移转化规律,对水氮资源高效利用和水土环境保护具有重要的意义。以土壤水、热和溶质迁移转化动力过程为基础,综合考虑气象因素变化和土壤水氮动态变化及其对作物生长的影响,构建了土壤水、热、氮迁移转化与作物生长耦合模拟模型。并应用该模型对2007－2008年冬小麦生育期内的土壤水分、氮素转化运移以及冬小麦产量、生物量、腾发量（ET）进行模拟,模拟结果与实测数据均吻合良好。可应用该模型模拟不同作物种类、不同灌水施肥条件下土壤水分与氮素动态变化过程和作物生长状况,进而获得农田水肥优化管理模式。