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Kung HC, Wu CH, Huang BW, Chang-Chien GP, Mutuku JK, Lin WC. Mercury abatement in the environment: Insights from industrial emissions and fates in the environment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28253. [PMID: 38571637 PMCID: PMC10987932 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Mercury's neurotoxic effects have prompted the development of advanced control and remediation methods to meet stringent measures for industries with high-mercury feedstocks. Industries with significant Hg emissions, including artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM)-789.2 Mg year-1, coal combustion-564.1 Mg year-1, waste combustion-316.1 Mg year-1, cement production-224.5 Mg year-1, and non-ferrous metals smelting-204.1 Mg year-1, use oxidants and adsorbents capture Hg from waste streams. Oxidizing agents such as O3, Cl2, HCl, CaBr2, CaCl2, and NH4Cl oxidize Hg0 to Hg2+ for easier adsorption. To functionalize adsorbents, carbonaceous ones use S, SO2, and Na2S, metal-based adsorbents use dimercaprol, and polymer-based adsorbents are grafted with acrylonitrile and hydroxylamine hydrochloride. Adsorption capacities span 0.2-85.6 mg g-1 for carbonaceous, 0.5-14.8 mg g-1 for metal-based, and 168.1-1216 mg g-1 for polymer-based adsorbents. Assessing Hg contamination in soils and sediments uses bioindicators and stable isotopes. Remediation approaches include heat treatment, chemical stabilization and immobilization, and phytoremediation techniques when contamination exceeds thresholds. Achieving a substantially Hg-free ecosystem remains a formidable challenge, chiefly due to the ASGM industry, policy gaps, and Hg persistence. Nevertheless, improvements in adsorbent technologies hold potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Chieh Kung
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsing Wu
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan
- Center for General Education, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung 833301, Taiwan
| | - Bo-Wun Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Institute of Mechatronic Engineering, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung City, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Guo-Ping Chang-Chien
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Justus Kavita Mutuku
- Institute of Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Super micro mass research and technology center, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
- Center for Environmental Toxin and Emerging-Contaminant Research, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, 833301, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Ching Lin
- Department of Neuroradiology, E-Da Hospital, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
- Department of Neurosurgery, E-Da Hospital/I-Shou University, Kaohsiung, 84001, Taiwan
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Chitosan-Based Polymer Nanocomposites for Environmental Remediation of Mercury Pollution. Polymers (Basel) 2023; 15:polym15030482. [PMID: 36771779 PMCID: PMC9921766 DOI: 10.3390/polym15030482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mercury is a well-known heavy metal pollutant of global importance, typically found in effluents (lakes, oceans, and sewage) and released into the atmosphere. It is highly toxic to humans, animals and plants. Therefore, the current challenge is to develop efficient materials and techniques that can be used to remediate mercury pollution in water and the atmosphere, even in low concentrations. The paper aims to review the chitosan-based polymer nanocomposite materials that have been used for the environmental remediation of mercury pollution since they possess multifunctional properties, beneficial for the adsorption of various kinds of pollutants from wastewater and the atmosphere. In addition, these chitosan-based polymer nanocomposites are made of non-toxic materials that are environmentally friendly, highly porous, biocompatible, biodegradable, and recyclable; they have a high number of surface active sites, are earth-abundant, have minimal surface defects, and are metal-free. Advances in the modification of the chitosan, mainly with nanomaterials such as multi-walled carbon nanotube and nanoparticles (Ag, TiO2, S, and ZnO), and its use for mercury uptake by batch adsorption and passive sampler methods are discussed.
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Guo J, Sharma CM, Tripathee L, Kang S, Fu X, Huang J, Shrestha KL, Chen P. Source identification of atmospheric particle-bound mercury in the Himalayan foothills through non-isotopic and isotope analyses. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 286:117317. [PMID: 33990047 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
This study reports on the sources of atmospheric particle-bound mercury (HgP) in less studied regions of Nepal based on the analysis of stable mercury (Hg) isotopes in aerosol samples from two neighboring areas with high and low anthropogenic emissions (Kathmandu and Dhulikhel, respectively) during 2018. Although the Indian monsoon and westerlies are generally regarded as the primary carriers of pollutants to this region via the heavily industrialized Indo-Gangetic Plain, the concentrations of total suspended particles (TSP) and HgP in Kathmandu were higher than those in Dhulikhel, thus suggesting a substantial contribution from local sources. Both isotopic (δ200Hg and Δ199Hg) and non-isotopic evidence indicated that dust, waste burning, and industrial byproducts (without Hg amalgamation) were the major sources of Hg in Kathmandu during the study period. Mercury may have been transported via air masses from Kathmandu to Dhulikhel, as indicated by the similar organic carbon/elemental carbon ratios and seasonal trends of TSP and HgP in these two locations. Local anthropogenic sources were found to contribute significantly to atmospheric Hg pollution through dust resuspension. Therefore, dust resuspension should be considered when evaluating the long-range transport of air pollutants such as Hg, particularly in anthropogenically stressed areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Chhatra Mani Sharma
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou, 730000, China; Central Department of Environmental Science, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Lekhendra Tripathee
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou, 730000, China; Himalayan Environment Research Institute (HERI), Kathmandu, Nepal.
| | - Shichang Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou, 730000, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Tibetan Plateau Earth Sciences, Beijing, 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Xuewu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 99 Lincheng West Road, Guiyang, 550081, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese, Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Kundan Lal Shrestha
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal
| | - Pengfei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science, Northwest Institute of Eco-environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Lanzhou, 730000, China
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Wang Y, Tian C, Wang Z, He D, Wu N, Zhang H, He S, Pan L, Ying C. Health risk and temporal trend of dietary potentially toxic elements exposure in the residents of the Shenzhen metropolis, China, between 2005 and 2017: a risk assessment based on probabilistic estimation. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2021; 43:113-126. [PMID: 32748301 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-020-00675-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dietary potentially toxic elements (PTEs) exposure in developing countries is of great concern. Probabilistic estimation exhibits great superiority in risk assessment by dealing with the variability and uncertainty of the parameters. Here, a probabilistic estimation based on two dimensions, PTEs in foods and food intake, was conducted. A total of 13 foods were collected from Shenzhen markets during 2005-2017, and the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg, and As were detected. A total of 853 residents from 245 households participated in a total diet study. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Hg and As were 0.046, 0.0196, 0.0038, and 0.029 mg kg-1 in cereals, 0.042, 0.0174, 0.0027, and 0.014 mg kg-1 in vegetables, 0.044, 0.0237, 0.0056, and 0.021 mg kg-1 in meat, and 0.081, 0.1035, 0.0257, and 0.680 mg kg-1 in aquatic products, respectively. The probability density function showed that the 95th percentiles of the Pb, Cd, Hg, As hazard quotients (HQ) and the hazard index (HI) were 0.68, 1.57, 0.38, 5.81 and 7.51, respectively. Cumulative probability and sensitivity analysis showed that cereals and vegetables contributed most to Pb and Cd exposure; aquatic products to Hg exposure; and cereals and aquatic products to As exposure. The results showed that Shenzhen residents were at risk of exposure to Cd, As, and four PTEs in combination, although a temporal decreasing trend was observed. The probabilistic estimation used here reveals a complete picture of multiple PTEs exposure risk and identifies major contributing food categories, providing a valuable means for risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Chong Tian
- School of Nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Zhou Wang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongliang He
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, The Central Hospital of Hengyang City, Hengyang, 421000, Hunan, China
| | - Nannan Wu
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuiqing He
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China
| | - Liubo Pan
- Shenzhen Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Chenjiang Ying
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Hubei Key Laboratory of Food Nutrition and Safety, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
- Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, Hubei, China.
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Fang GC, Kao CL, Zhuang YJ, Liang GR. Particulate and particulate-bound mercury concentrations and size distributions as related to seasonal variations during peak demand/non-peak demand periods. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2020; 55:1513-1527. [PMID: 32935629 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2020.1816413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The particulate size distributions of aerosol pollutants (particulates and Hg(p)) at a mixed site were measured and their seasonal variations identified. Atmospheric particulates and the Hg(p) mass median diameter (m.m.d.) were obtained. Hg(p) concentrations increased by approximately 20% during the peak demand period for all particle sizes (18, 10, 2.5, 1 and 0.3 μm). The mean percentage concentration of Hg(p) was highest in summer and followed the order summer > spring > winter > autumn for all particle sizes. Hg(p) concentration exhibited increased from 2004 to 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guor-Cheng Fang
- Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Chao-Lang Kao
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Jie Zhuang
- Department of Safety, Health, and Environmental Engineering, Hungkuang University, Taichung City, Taiwan
| | - Gui-Ren Liang
- Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, Taichung City, Taiwan
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Chang LS, Yan JH, Li JY, Yeter DD, Huang YH, Guo MMH, Lo MH, Kuo HC. Blood Mercury Levels in Children with Kawasaki Disease and Disease Outcome. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17103726. [PMID: 32466179 PMCID: PMC7277186 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17103726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The risk of ethnic Kawasaki disease (KD) has been proposed to be associated with blood mercury levels in American children. We investigated the blood levels of mercury in children with KD and their association with disease outcome. The mercury levels demonstrated a significantly negative correlation with sodium levels (p = 0.007). However, data failed to reach a significant difference after excluding the child with blood mercury exceeding the toxic value. The findings indicate that KD patients with lower sodium concentrations had a remarkably higher proportion of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance (p = 0.022). Our patients who had lower mercury levels (<0.5 μg/L) had more changes in bacille Calmette-Guerin. Mercury levels in 14/14 patients with coronary artery lesions and 4/4 patients with IVIG resistance were all measured to have values greater than 1 μg/L (while average values showed 0.92 μg/L in Asian American children). Mercury levels had no correlations with IVIG resistance or coronary artery lesion (CAL) formation (p > 0.05). CAL development was more common in the incomplete group than in the complete KD group (p = 0.019). In this first report about mercury levels in KD patients, we observed that the juvenile Taiwanese had higher mercury concentration in blood compared to other populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Sai Chang
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Jia-Huei Yan
- Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 613016, Taiwan;
| | - Jin-Yu Li
- Beijing Institute of Technology, School of Life Science, Beijing 100081, China;
| | - Deniz Des Yeter
- KU School of Nursing, Nursing Associate Tech Adult Inpatient Psych KU Strawberry Hill Campus, Kansas City, KS 66101, USA;
| | - Ying-Hsien Huang
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Mindy Ming-Huey Guo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan
| | - Mao-Hung Lo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics and Kawasaki Disease Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung 83301, Taiwan; (L.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); (M.M.-H.G.); (M.-H.L.)
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung City 83301, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Kalinchuk V, Aksentov K, Karnaukh V. Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in the surface air over the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril-Kamchatka sector of the Pacific Ocean in August-September 2017. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 224:668-679. [PMID: 30849628 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.02.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The northwestern Pacific Ocean including the Sea of Japan and the Sea of Okhotsk is one of the least studied regions in terms of mercury behavior and distribution in the sea-atmosphere system. In August and September 2017, we determined gaseous elemental mercury (Hg(0)) in the surface air over this water areas along a 12,000 km cruise. Concentrations varied from 1.07 to 2.74 ng m-3, with an average value of 1,68 ± 0.23 ng m-3 (N = 1853). The average concentrations for the Sea of Japan, the Sea of Okhotsk and the Kuril-Kamchatka sector of the Pacific Ocean were 1.61 ng m-3, 1.71 ng m-3 and 1.61 ng m-3, respectively. The maximum concentrations were observed in the Sea of Okhotsk during periods when air masses arrived from the southern and central Kuril Islands. We believe that the reason for that was volcanic activity. The minimum concentrations were registered in air masses arriving from the northeastern Russia and from open sea areas. In the Sea of Okhotsk we measured Hg(0) concentrations near the cyclone eye and did not register any increase due to increased turbulence. This fact contradicts the previously expressed hypothesis that a strong turbulence above the sea surface causes enhanced Hg(0) concentrations in the air. Apparently there are additional or completely different influencing factors which could provide such increase. Also we found that the diurnal Hg(0) cycle in the Sea of Japan was the opposite of the diurnal Hg(0) cycle in the Sea of Okhotsk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Kalinchuk
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.
| | - Kirill Aksentov
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - Viktor Karnaukh
- V.I.Il`ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
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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. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 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] [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.
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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.
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Kalinchuk V, Lopatnikov E, Astakhov A. Gradient measurements of gaseous elemental mercury (Hg 0) in the marine boundary layer of the northwest Sea of Japan (East Sea). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 237:1124-1136. [PMID: 29223293 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Gaseous elemental mercury (Hg0) is a prolific and persistent contaminant in the atmosphere. Atmospheric concentrations of Hg0 were determined from 17 September to 7 October 2015 in the northwest Sea of Japan aboard the Russian research vessel Professor Gagarinsky. Simultaneous measurements of Hg0 concentrations were performed 2 m and 20 m above the sea surface using automatic Hg0 analysers RA-915M and RA-915+, respectively. Concentrations ranged from 0.3 to 25.9 ng/m3 (n = 5207) and from 0.3 to 27.8 ng/m3 (n = 4415), with medians of 1.7 and 1.6 ng/m3, respectively. Elevated Hg0 was observed during three episodes from 19 to 22 September, likely caused by one or more of the following factors: 1) atmospheric transport of Hg0 from the west and south-west (from N. Korea, China, and the Yellow Sea region); 2) Hg0 emission from the sea due to pollution by water from the Tumannaya River; or 3) underwater geological activities. Increased Hg0 concentration was observed during periods when air masses flowed from the south, and low concentrations were observed when air masses came from the north. A daytime increase of Hg0 concentrations at a height of 2 m occurred simultaneously with decreasing Hg0 at a height of 20 m. These diurnal variations suggest that two contrasting processes occur during the daytime in the marine boundary layer (MBL): Hg0 emission from the sea surface and Hg0 oxidation in the MBL by active halogens formed by photolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktor Kalinchuk
- V.I.Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia.
| | - Evgeny Lopatnikov
- V.I.Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - Anatoly Astakhov
- V.I.Il'ichev Pacific Oceanological Institute of Far Eastern Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, 43, Baltiyskaya Street, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
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Kim SE, Bell ML, Hashizume M, Honda Y, Kan H, Kim H. Associations between mortality and prolonged exposure to elevated particulate matter concentrations in East Asia. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2018; 110:88-94. [PMID: 29097051 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 08/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Previous epidemiological studies regarding mortality and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of <10μm (PM10) have considered only absolute concentrations of PM10 as a risk factor. However, none have evaluated the durational effect of multi-day periods with high PM10 concentrations. To evaluate the durational effect (i.e., number of days) of high PM10 concentrations on mortality, we collected data regarding 3,662,749 deaths from 28 cities in Japan, South Korea, and China (1993-2009). Exposure was defined as consecutive days with daily PM10 concentrations ≥75μg/m3. A Poisson model was used with duration as the variable of interest, while controlling for daily PM10 concentrations, meteorological variables, seasonal trends, and day of the week. The increase in mortality risk for each additional consecutive day with PM10 concentrations ≥75μg/m3 was 0.68% in Japan (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35-1.01%), 0.48% in South Korea (95% CI: 0.30-0.66%), and 0.24% in China (95% CI: 0.14-0.33%). The annual average maximum number of consecutive days with high PM10 in Japan (2.40days), South Korea (6.96days), and China (42.26days) was associated with non-accidental death increases of 1.64% (95% CI: 1.31-1.98%), 3.37% (95% CI: 3.19-3.56%), and 10.43% (95% CI: 10.33-10.54%), respectively. These findings may facilitate the planning of public health interventions to minimize the health burden of air pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satbyul Estella Kim
- Center for Social and Environmental Systems Research, National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan; Institute of Health and Environment, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Michelle L Bell
- School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Masahiro Hashizume
- Department of Paediatric Infectious DiseasesX, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yasushi Honda
- Faculty of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Haidong Kan
- Department of Environmental Health, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ho Kim
- Graduate School of Public Health and Asian Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Lin H, Zhang W, Deng C, Tong Y, Zhang Q, Wang X. Evaluation of passive sampling of gaseous mercury using different sorbing materials. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:14190-14197. [PMID: 28421520 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9018-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/10/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Atmospheric mercury monitoring is essential because of its potential human health and ecological impacts. Current automated monitoring systems include limitations such as high cost, complicated configuration, and electricity requirements. Passive samplers require no electric power and are more appropriate for screening applications and long-term monitoring. Sampling rate is a major factor to evaluate the performance of a passive sampler. In this study, laboratory experiments were carried out using an exposure chamber to search for high efficiency sorbents for gaseous mercury. Four types of sorbents, including sulfur-impregnated carbon (SIC), chlorine-impregnated carbon (CIC), bromine-impregnated carbon (BIC), and gold-coated sand (GCS) were evaluated under a wide range of meteorological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. The results showed that the four sorbents all have a high sampling rate above 0.01 m3g-1 day-1, and wind speed has a positive correlation with the sampling rate. Under different temperature and relative humidity, the sampling rate of SIC keeps stable. The sampling rate of CIC and BIC shows a negative correlation with temperature, and GCS is influenced by all the three meteorological factors. Furthermore, long-term experiments were carried out to investigate the uptake capacity of GCS and SIC. Uptake curves show that the mass amount of sorbent in a passive sampler can influence uptake capacity. In the passive sampler, 0.9 g SIC or 0.9 g GCS can achieve stable uptake efficiency for at least 110 days with gaseous mercury concentration at or below 2 ng/m3. For mercury concentration at or below 21 ng/m3, 0.9 g SIC can maintain stable uptake efficiency for 70 days, and 0.9 g GCS can maintain stability for 45 days.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiming Lin
- MOE Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- School of Environment and Natural Resources, Renmin University of China, Beijing, 100872, China.
| | - Chunyan Deng
- MOE Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yingdong Tong
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Qianggong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Tibetan Environment Changes and Land Surface Processes, Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xuejun Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
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12
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Hu Y, Cheng H. Control of mercury emissions from stationary coal combustion sources in China: Current status and recommendations. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2016; 218:1209-1221. [PMID: 27596303 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Revised: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 08/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Coal burning in power plants and industrial boilers is the largest combustion source of mercury emissions in China. Together, power plants and industrial boilers emit around 250 tonnes of mercury each year, or around half of atmospheric mercury emissions from anthropogenic sources in the country. Power plants in China are generally equipped with multi-pollutant control technologies, which offer the co-benefit of mercury removal, while mercury-specific control technologies have been installed in some facilities. In contrast, most industrial boilers have only basic or no flue gas cleaning. A combination of measures, including energy conservation, coal switching and blending, reducing the mercury contents of coals through washing, combustion controls, and flue gas cleaning, can be used to reduce mercury emissions from these stationary combustion sources. More stringent emission standards for the major air pollutants from coal-fired power plants and industrial boiler, along with standards for the previously unregulated mercury, were implemented recently, which is expected to bring significant reduction in their mercury emissions through the necessary upgrades of multi-pollutant and mercury-specific control technologies. Meanwhile, strong monitoring capacity and strict enforcement are necessary to ensure that the combustion sources operate in compliance with the new emission standards and achieve significant reduction in the emissions of mercury and other air pollutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanan Hu
- MOE Laboratory of Groundwater Circulation and Evolution, School of Water Resources and Environment, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hefa Cheng
- MOE Laboratory for Earth Surface Processes, College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
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13
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Shen B, Li Z, Chen J, Singh S, He C. Kinetics study on the capture of elemental mercury in flue gas by KI-impregnated clays. CAN J CHEM ENG 2015. [DOI: 10.1002/cjce.22284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Boxiong Shen
- School of Energy & Environmental Engineering; Hebei University of Technology; Tianjin 300401 China
- College of Environmental Science & Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Zhuo Li
- College of Environmental Science & Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Jianhong Chen
- College of Environmental Science & Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
| | - Surjit Singh
- Energy & Research Institute; The University of Leeds; Leeds LS2 9JT UK
| | - Chuan He
- College of Environmental Science & Engineering; Nankai University; Tianjin 300071 China
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14
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Djordjevic P, Nikolic D, Jovanovic I, Mihajlovic I, Savic M, Zivkovic Z. Episodes of extremely high concentrations of SO2 and particulate matter in the urban environment of Bor, Serbia. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2013; 126:204-207. [PMID: 23747157 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2012] [Revised: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the extremely high concentrations of SO2 and particulate matter measured in the urban area of the town Bor (Serbia) during August 2011. Concentrations of SO2 above 125 μg m(-3) and concentrations of particulate matter above 200 μg m(-3) recorded over several days indicate significant risk to human health and the ecosystem in this region.
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15
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Lin Y, Vogt R, Larssen T. Environmental mercury in China: a review. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2012; 31:2431-2444. [PMID: 22887129 DOI: 10.1002/etc.1980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2012] [Revised: 06/03/2012] [Accepted: 07/06/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Mercury is a global pollutant that can be transported over long distances and can bioaccumulate. Currently, China is the country that contributes most to atmospheric Hg emissions and has the greatest intentional (industrial) use of Hg. Mercury in the Chinese environment is generally elevated, particularly in air and water bodies. Remote areas in China also show elevated Hg levels in air and water bodies compared to other rural regions in the world. Large river estuaries are often heavily affected by upstream industrial sources. Mercury is also elevated in sediments, a direct result of contamination in river systems. Regardless of the few heavily polluted sites, the urban environment in Chinese cities is comparable to that of other megacities in terms of Hg pollution, considering the size and rapid development of Chinese cities. Studies on Hg in fish showed generally low levels of contamination resulting from low bioaccumulation of Hg in the mostly short food chains. Mercury in rice has recently received increased research interest; elevated concentrations have been reported from rice grown in contaminated areas and may pose a threat to people dependent on such locally grown food. For the general population, Hg exposure from rice is, however, small. In addition, Hg hair concentration in the Chinese population showed generally low levels of exposure to Hg, except for people with special occupational exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Lin
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway.
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16
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Lee CC, Chang JW, Huang HY, Chen HL. Factors influencing blood mercury levels of inhabitants living near fishing areas. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2012; 424:316-321. [PMID: 22444062 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2012.01.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2011] [Revised: 01/03/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg), a well-known neuro-toxicant, is usually emitted by industrial and other man-made activities; it is ingested with seafood and shellfish, and accumulates in the human body. The aim of this study was to compare the differences in blood levels of total mercury (T-Hg) and MeHg in residents of 4 coastal sites and 4 inland sites around Taiwan. Meanwhile, the potential question is warranted to find out the association between dietary intake and MeHg accumulation. We found that coastal residents had significantly higher mean blood T-Hg levels (mean: 16.1 μg/L, range: 0.9-184.9 μg/L) than inland residents (mean: 11.8 μg/L, range: 0.8-146.6 μg/L). The same was for blood MeHg levels: coastal residents (mean: 16.5 μg/L, range: 0.9-184.9 μg/L), inland residents (mean: 11.8 μg/L, range: 2.1-133.4 μg/L). These elevated levels were positively associated with seafood and shellfish consumption. However, the nature of their residential area may also be an important factor, because the highest T-Hg and MeHg levels were found in residents of a relatively non-industrialized area. To protect vulnerable population-especially children and pregnant women-it is important to know whether locally caught or raised and consumed fish has any source of Hg and MeHg pollution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Medical College, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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17
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Huang X, Li M, Friedli HR, Song Y, Chang D, Zhu L. Mercury emissions from biomass burning in China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2011; 45:9442-9448. [PMID: 21950526 DOI: 10.1021/es202224e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Biomass burning covers open fires (forest and grassland fires, crop residue burning in fields, etc.) and biofuel combustion (crop residues and wood, etc., used as fuel). As a large agricultural country, China may produce large quantities of mercury emissions from biomass burning. A new mercury emission inventory in China is needed because previous studies reflected outdated biomass burning with coarse resolution. Moreover, these studies often adopted the emission factors (mass of emitted species per mass of biomass burned) measured in North America. In this study, the mercury emissions from biomass burning in China (excluding small islands in the South China Sea) were estimated, using recently measured mercury concentrations in various biomes in China as emission factors. Emissions from crop residues and fuelwood were estimated based on annual reports distributed by provincial government. Emissions from forest and grassland fires were calculated by combining moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) burned area product with combustion efficiency (ratio of fuel consumption to total available fuels) considering fuel moisture. The average annual emission from biomass burning was 27 (range from 15.1 to 39.9) Mg/year. This inventory has high spatial resolution (1 km) and covers a long period (2000-2007), making it useful for air quality modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Huang
- State Key Joint Laboratory of Environmental Simulation and Pollution Control, Department of Environmental Science, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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18
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Ahn MC, Yi SM, Holsen TM, Han YJ. Mercury wet deposition in rural Korea: concentrations and fluxes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 13:2748-54. [PMID: 21863180 DOI: 10.1039/c1em10014a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The characteristics of Hg wet deposition were investigated in a rural area of Korea from August 2006 to July 2008. The volume weighted mean (VWM) Hg(T) concentration and cumulative Hg(T) flux were 8.8 ng L(-1) and 9.4 μg m(-2) per year, respectively. The VWM Hg(T) concentration varied seasonally, similar to the seasonal pattern in atmospheric Hg(p) concentration. The enhancement of both VWM Hg(T) and atmospheric Hg(p) concentrations in spring and winter was likely caused by the long-range transport of Hg from China. Monthly VWM Hg(T) and atmospheric Hg(p) concentrations were well correlated (R(2) = 0.36); however, there was no correlation between VWM Hg(T) and RGM (reactive gaseous mercury) concentrations, suggesting that Hg(p) was responsible for the majority of the Hg in wet deposition at this site. The VWM Hg(T) concentration in snow was statistically higher than in rain. In addition, the atmospheric Hg(p) concentration appeared to be elevated for snow events as well. This suggests that both elevated Hg(p) concentrations and the enhanced scavenging efficiency of snow for Hg(p) were responsible for the elevated VWM Hg(T) concentrations measured during snow events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong-Chan Ahn
- Wonju Regional Environmental Office, 327 Dangu-ro, Myeongryun-dong, Wonju, Kangwon-do 220-947, Korea
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19
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Wo J, Zhang M, Cheng X, Zhong X, Xu J, Xu X. Hg2+ reduction and re-emission from simulated wet flue gas desulfurization liquors. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 172:1106-1110. [PMID: 19699584 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2009.07.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2009] [Revised: 07/27/2009] [Accepted: 07/27/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
In this study, considering that Hg(2+) in wet flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems can easily be reduced and then released into atmosphere, causing secondary pollution, the researches about Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emission mechanism were carried out. The effects of several experimental parameters on the reduction were studied, including initial pH, temperature, and concentrations of Cl(-) and S(IV). Our experimental results indicated that Cl(-) had a restraining effect on the Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emission, after 24h reaction, only 20.5% of Hg(2+) was reduced with 100mM Cl(-) in simulated desulfurization solution. Cl(-) can slow Hg(2+) reduction and Hg(0) re-emissions dramatically through changing reaction mechanism, with formation of new intermediate: ClHgSO(3)(-), which can decompose to Hg(0), but much more slowly than Hg(SO(3))(2)(2-) or HgSO(3). Simulating the conditions of the practical application (initial pH 5, T=50 degrees C, S(IV)=5 mM, Cl(-)=100 mM), we also found that Ca(2+), NO(3)(-), F(-), etc. all had obvious effects on reduction rates. Based on the material balance and characteristic of the reactants, the reduction emission mechanism of Hg(2+) has been established, providing theoretical basis for industrial application of mercury control in wet FGD systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310027, People's Republic of China
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20
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Kono Y, Tomiyasu T. Biomonitoring of atmospheric mercury levels with the epiphytic fern Lepisorus thunbergianus (Polypodiaceae). CHEMOSPHERE 2009; 77:1387-1392. [PMID: 19879631 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2009.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 09/05/2009] [Accepted: 09/08/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The suitability of the epiphytic fern Lepisorus thunbergianus (Kaulf.) Ching, common in East and Southeast Asia, for the in situ biomonitoring of atmospheric mercury levels was investigated. L. thunbergianus is an evergreen fern with young, mature and old fronds throughout the year. Fertile mature fronds were used for the monitoring since the young fronds showed a high relative standard deviation (RSD) due to a shorter period of exposure, and the old fronds showed significantly high mercury concentrations with a slightly high RSD. When the mercury concentration in the fronds was plotted against the average mercury concentration in air, a significantly higher correlation was observed for the average value for the last 5-8 months. The regression equation y=13.6 x -1.4 was obtained, where "y" is the mercury concentration in the fronds (ng g(-1) dry mass (DM)) and "x" is the corresponding average concentration in ambient air (ng m(-3)). Atmospheric mercury levels can be estimated from the biomonitoring data: from the 95% confidence intervals, an atmospheric mercury concentration of 5 ng m(-3), estimated from a concentration of 70 ng g(-1) DM in fronds, corresponds to atmospheric mercury levels of between 3 and 8 ng m(-3).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuriko Kono
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Korimoto, Kagoshima 890-0065, Japan
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