Temporal variation of mercury in vegetation

Temporal changes in the Hg content of balsam fir needles (Abies balsamea) and white spruce needles (Picea glauca) were monitored at a control site over two growing seasons. Results indicated a significant increase in the Hg content of needles of both species over the course of a growing season and from one year to the next. The Hg content of new foliage more than doubled within each growing season, and was 5–10 ng g^?1 higher in the 1990 growing season than in the previous year. These results indicate that temporal variation is a potential source of error when mapping the spatial variation of Hg concentrations in vegetation. To minimize this source of error, field surveys should be completed as quickly as possible (i.e., within two or three weeks).     

Digestion of food samples for total mercury determination

A method of digestion by using a mixture of hydrochloric, nitric, and sulfuric acids has been developed for the determination of total mercury in a wide range of food samples. Good recoveries of mercury were obtained from NBS (National Bureau of Standards) Albacore Tuna and from food samples spiked with inorganic mercury. A detection limit of 0.01 microgram mercury/g can be obtained.     

Experimental evaluation of mercury release from flooded vegetation and soils

Significant increases in Hg concentrations have been noted in fish caught in newly-created hydroelectric reservoirs in various parts of northern Canada. It has been hypothesized that a significant contributing factor to these increased levels may be the release to the water column of Hg from flooded vegetation and soils and subsequent methylation by bacteria whose growth has been stimulated by the simultaneous release of organic matter and nutrients. A series of experiments have been carried out on a micro-scale to quantify the release over time of Hg and nutrients by various types of vegetation and soil, and to quantify methylation of the released Hg. Soil, vegetation, and water samples were collected in an undisturbed area adjacent to one of the reservoirs in northern Québec. The vegetation and soil samples were immersed in the water in closed containers, and water samples were withdrawn periodically to permit measurements of total and methyl Hg as well as various nutrients. Dissolved O₂ and pH were also routinely monitored. Additional experiments were made to examine effects of pH, temperature, and anoxia on rates of release and methylation. The results are being incorporated into an existing computer model of decomposition of flooded vegetation and soil to have better estimates of coefficients in the model to permit environmental impact predictions.     

A simplified procedure for the determination of total mercury in soils

Abstract

A saraimplified procedure for the measurement of total mercury in soils and some preliminary results for Saskatchewan are presented. Soil samoles were digested in aqua regia at low temperatures, followed by determination of Hg with a simplified flameless atomic absorption technique. Hg levels in soils analyzed ranged from 0.003 to 0.071 ug/g.     

利用 DMA-80 直接测汞仪测定植物样品中总汞含量

为建立采用 DMA-80 直接测汞仪测定植物样品中汞含量的方法,配制了 3 种不同汞浓度系列的标准曲线,汞总量分别是 0 ～ 2、0 ～ 15 和 25 ～ 1023 ng。结果表明:仪器信号值与汞总量之间均呈良好的线性关系。同一样品进样 6 组平行测定,相对标准偏差小于 7%。根据仪器多次测定空白数据结果,按照称样量 0.1 g 计算,方法最小检出量为 0.169 ng/g;对不同样品添加同一质量的汞,每组 6 次重复,加标回收率为 99.3% ～ 102.2%,选取大米粉和柑橘叶两种国家标准物质进行测试,每个样品平行测定 6 次,其相对标准偏差均小于 7.0%,测定值与标准物质的标准参考值相符。利用 DMA-80 测汞仪测定植物样品中汞含量,无需前处理消煮,直接将样品送入仪器中,具有操作简单、快速高效等优点,精密度和准确度满足要求,可用于批量植物样品中汞含量的快速测定分析。     

Mixed acid solubilization procedure for determination of total mercury in food samples

A mixed acid solubilization procedure has been developed for the determination of total mercury in food samples. This procedure has eliminated the problem of mercury loss from samples that are high in lipid or carbohydrate content. The solubilization is rapid and quantitative and can be used for a wide range of food items.     

The application ofin situ dialysis samplers for close interval investigations of total dissolved mercury in interstitial waters

The suitability of the dialysis technique for the close interval sampling of total dissolved mercury (Hg) in interstitial waters was evaluated through field tests conducted in flooded soils of two hydroelectric reservoirs, as well as in lake sediments and peat bogs. In these shallow water and weakly contaminated environments, we have demonstrated that peepers offer simplicity and yield more consistent results when compared with the squeezed sediment technique; that the presence of O₂ in the initial filling solution does not significantly influence total dissolved Hg concentrations, [Hg_tot]D, in samples collected from anoxic environments; and that an equilibration period of 8 to 9 days yields slightly less variable results than one of 6.5 days. Using the dialysis technique, we were able to generate close interval vertical profiles of [Hgtot]D, in interstitial waters. A comparison of preliminary results indicates that [Hgtot]D in porewaters collected in both artificial and natural systems are similar and independent of the sampling environment, the depth of the overlying water column, and the history of reservoir impoundment.     

Is total mercury concentration a good predictor of methyl mercury concentration in aquatic systems?

Methyl mercury (MeHg) concentrations were compared to total mercury (THg) concentrations in a variety of types of aqueous samples collected at the Experimental Lakes Area during 1991 through 1993. In several streams, an experimentally flooded wetland, and peat pore water, there was no relationship between MeHg and THg concentrations. %MeHg (compared to THg) ranged from < 1% to over 90%. In three ELA lakes, as in groups of lakes from other regions, a linear relationship between MeHg and THg concentration was found. However, these relationships differed by a factor of three from one region to another. This study shows that THg inputs and/or concentrations are not very useful in predicting MeHg concentrations, and that factors within ecosystems are very important in controlling MeHg concentrations.     

The methylmercury to total mercury ratio in selected marine,freshwater, and terrestrial organisms

Total and methylmercury concentrations were determined in muscle and organ tissue from a wide variety of marine and terrestrial organisms spanning several trophic levels. Sediment and water samples from many of the tissue sampling sites were also analyzed to assess the degree of mercury contamination to which the animals were exposed. The methylmercury to total mercury ratios were examined to determine whether this ratio is indicative of elevated exposure to organic or inorganic mercury and how it varies relative to tissue type and position in the food chain. As an ancillary study, a subset of these tissues was analyzed as 1) wet tissue, and 2) freeze-dried, ball-milled tissue to determine whether the form of sample preparation can adversely affect mercury analysis. Results indicate that the methylmercury to total mercury ratios generally approach unity only in muscle tissue of higher food chain carnivorous fish residing in waters that are relatively uncontaminated with respect to inorganic mercury species. Herbivorous terrestrial mammals and low food chain marine organisms tend to have very low methylmercury to total mercury ratios. Marine animals placed higher on the food chain, such as crabs and lobsters, exhibit somewhat higher methylmercury to total mercury ratios and can exhibit a large variation in this ratio between, organ tissue and muscle tissue of the same animal. The samples analyzed as both wet and freeze-dried, ball-milled tissue indicate that freezedrying and ball-milling in no way result in mercury loss or contamination and, in fact, result in better replicate analyses and create a sample sufficiently stable to be archived for several years without refrigeration.     

Determination of total potassium in vegetation and sheep faeces contaminated with soil

Abstract

Samples of vegetation and faeces from heavily grazed pastures are likely to be contaminated with soil to some extent. The determination of total potassium on these samples will result in low recoveries if a wet oxidation procedure normally used for vegetation analysis is employed. However, data are presented which show that for the sites studied satisfactory recoveries of total potassium are obtained following a sulphuric acid‐hydrogen peroxide digestion, providing the ash content of the sample does not exceed 25%. For ash contents greater than 25%, alkaline fusion or hydrofluoric/perchloric acid decomposition procedures are required to obtain full recovery.     

Evaluation of sediment capping effectiveness in Hyeongsan River for in-situ management of total mercury and methylmercury contamination

Journal of Soils and Sediments - In this study, the effectiveness of in situ sediment capping was investigated as a remediation option for total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in the...     

Method development and sample processing of water,soil, and tissue for the analysis of total and organic mercury by cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry

Atomic Fluorescence-based methods have been developed for measuring ultratrace levels of mercury (Hg) in environmental (water, soil) and biological (fish tissue) samples. In addition, methods for preparation of water, soil, and tissue samples have been developed. For the analysis of total Hg in soil, sediment and fish the samples are digested with concentrated nitric acid in sealed glass ampules, and subsequently autoclaved. Water samples are digested using standard brominating procedures. A Merlin Plus, PS Analytical atomic fluorescence spectrometer (AFS) system equipped with an autosampler, vapor generator, fluorescence detector and a PC based integrator package is used in the determination of total Hg. The determination of Hg mercury species in water, without pre-derivatization, involves adsorbent pre-concentration of the organomercurials onto sulfydryl-cotton fibers. The organic Hg compounds are eluted with a small volume of acidic KBr and CuSO₄ and extracted into dichloromethane. Sediment, soil and tissue samples are homogenized and the organomercurials first released from the sample by the combined action of acidic KBr and CuSO₄ and extracted into dichloromethane. The initial extracts are subjected to thiosulfate clean-up and the organomercury species are isolated as their chloride derivatives by cupric chloride addition and subsequent extraction into a small volume of dichloromethane. Analysis of organic Hg compounds is accomplished by capillary column chromatography coupled with atomic fluorescence detection.     

Effects of vegetation type on mercury concentrations and pools in two adjacent coniferous and deciduous forests

Vegetation type and ecosystem structure affect major aspects of the mercury (Hg) cycle in terrestrial ecosystems which serve as important storage pools for a long‐term legacy of natural and anthropogenic Hg release to the environment. The goal of this study was to evaluate the integrated effects of 80 y of different vegetative type on Hg accumulation and partitioning in terrestrial ecosystems by comparing Hg concentrations and pools of two adjacent forests: a coniferous Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and a deciduous red alder (Alnus rubra) stand. These stands grew for > 80 y in close proximity (200 m) with identical site histories, soil parent materials, and atmospheric exposure. Results showed that the Douglas fir stand was characterized by significantly higher Hg concentrations and Hg : C ratios in aboveground biomass compared to the deciduous red alder forest. For foliage, higher Hg concentrations (plus 43 μg kg^–1) were expected due to foliage age, but Hg concentrations also were higher in woody tissues (by 2 to 18 μg kg^–1) indicating increased uptake of atmospheric Hg by coniferous tissues. These differences were reflected—and further increased—in litter horizons where Hg‐concentration differences increased in highly decomposed litter to > 200 μg kg^–1. In soils, no difference in concentrations of Hg was observed, but Hg : C ratios were consistently higher in the coniferous Douglas fir. Estimation of pool sizes of C and Hg in soils and at the whole ecosystem level showed that considerably smaller C pools in the coniferous stand as a result of faster C turnover and lower productivity did not lead to corresponding declines in Hg‐pool sizes. The partitioning of Hg among ecosystem components—including distribution between aboveground and belowground components and distribution through the soil profile—was largely unaffected by forest type. Methyl‐Hg concentrations observed in litter layers were also significantly higher in litter of Douglas fir, along with a higher proportion of methylated Hg of total Hg. In soils, methyl‐Hg concentrations were similar in both stands. Comparison of these adjacent forest stands highlights that vegetation type affects concentrations of total Hg in otherwise equivalent sites and that differences also exist in respect to methylated Hg.     

Comparison of HCl extraction versos total iron analysis for iron tissue analysis

Extraction of Fe from fresh leaves with 0.1 N HCl proved to be a better indicator of the Fe status of a variety of ornamental tropical foliage and flowering plants compared to total Fe, 0.1 N HCl‐ether, and IN HCl extraction. It consistently gave higher correlations (r = 0.73 to 0.95 depending on the species) with chlorophyll concentration than the other methods tested. However, even 0.1 N HCl extraction did not distinguish levels of Fe deficiency accurately when compared between species.     

The phytotoxicity of mercury vapor

Seed germination and early growth were unexpectedly resistant to Hg-vapor at air saturation levels (14 μg L^?1). Among 15 species and cultivars tested, inhibition of shoot or root growth in excess of 50% was not seen, but occasional stimulation was noted. During extended (70 to 75 days) cultivation at Hg-vapor saturation, inhibitory effects on growth increased with time, and later effects on abscission and necrosis were more severe. Seven days exposures confirmed juvenile resistance at air saturation levels and mature plant sensitivity, expressed by massive abscission at 0.05 μg L^?1. It is suggested that Hg-vapor accelerates senescence-related processes via elevated ethylene production. Evidence suggests that elemental Hg, not ionic Hg, is the active toxicant. An ecophysiological role for Hg-vapor in volcanically active regions is suggested.     

Stepwise thermal analysis technique for estimating mercury phases in soils and sediments

Traces of H4 phases in soils, sediments and mineral standards were determined by thermal analysis at successively higher temperature steps. Mercury was liberated at each step, concentrated on Au, then determined by flameless atomic absorption. Some Hq determinations were made by liberating the element by continuous heating at the rate of 20 and 100°C min^?1. Soil samples were collected from the vicinity of a Hg mine, a Cu deposit and fault zones. Sediment samples were collected near a H9 roasting plant, a chlor-alkali plant and a Cu smelter. The results show that, for all the samples, most of the Hg is liberated during the 200°C temperature step. Some samples show thermal release characteristics similar to those of a. cinnabar-quartz mixture. Other samples show characteristics possibly related to sorbed elemental Hg. The results show that stepwise compared to continuous heating gives more resolution and thus may prove to be easier in estimating traces of Hg phases in soils and sediments.     

规则林地覆盖度照相测量法的精度分析

为定量研究照相法测量规则林地覆盖度中采样策略、相机非垂直拍摄等因素对覆盖度计算结果的影响,该文对河北怀来的一片梨树林进行了实地测量,通过对测量数据的统计计算,利用植被结构生成软件Onyx tree professional重建梨树林场景,采用基于物理的光线追踪算法模拟相机拍摄的照片,提出了规则林地覆盖度照相法测量的采样方案,并通过计算机模拟检验了采样方案。通过精确控制模拟相机的拍摄条件,进一步分析了非垂直拍摄对测量精度的影响。结果表明,相机的非竖直拍摄对覆盖度计算结果的精度有较大的影响,误差最大可达27.9%。该文提出的测量方案为规则林地的覆盖度实地测量提供了参考。     

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.