4D dispersion of total gaseous mercury derived from a mining source: identification of criteria to assess risks related with high concentrations of atmospheric mercury

Published: March 13, 2020

Abstract. Mercury is a global pollutant that can be transported long distances after its emission by primary sources. Most of the problems associated with Hg as toxic element dispersed worldwide arise due to incorporation into trophic chain and conversion organic forms. However, in vicinity anthropogenic sources, most common problem presence inorganic forms gaseous state atmosphere. Risk assessments related atmosphere at these contaminated sites are often based on episodic incomplete data, which do not properly characterize cycle area interest or consider spatial temporal terms. The aim work described was identify criteria obtain minimum amount data maximum meaning representativeness order delimitate risk areas, both respect. Data were acquired from September 2014 August 2015 included vertical horizontal measurements. A statistical analysis carried out this construction model movements could used predict location timing inhalation risk. monitoring strategy designed relevant involved measurement section low altitude (i.e., where humans present) transects appropriately transport lower layers measurements over time information daily seasonal variability. study site selected Almadenejos (Ciudad Real, Spain), village polluted mercury decommissioned mining metallurgical facilities belonging Almadén district. profiles revealed higher Total Gaseous concentrations present during nocturnal hours dawn dusk. Horizontal showed background values close 6 ng m−3 except spring months, when they rose 13 increased affected emissions more than 4 km around sites. On basis important process mixing layer, begins early morning finishes nightfall. Vertical transferences predominant active, i.e., all seasons winter, while major sources act constant suppliers cell, thus producing deposition Conversely, prevail darkness main factors minor solar radiation, wind speed topography. In terms assessment, constructed infer atmospheric micrometeorological parameters, nights carry greater days (54 % 72 summer) autumn, 99 occurred day. creation high-risk periods those dilution (or absence): namely radiation null levels. extent an source independent importance absolute emissions. zone did extend beyond 100 metres daytime period 200 night-time. Under worst conditions, it predicted would cover almost entire town Almadenejos, although conditions only represent 11.34 annual period. results highlight possible relief distribution proximity discrete Further studies, including detailed topographic area, required make precise estimations influence parameter, appears less other but still appreciable.

Language: Английский

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Perspective Chapter: The Toxic Silver (Hg)

IntechOpen eBooks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: May 31, 2023

In the late 1950s, residents of a Japanese fishing village known as “Minamata” began falling ill and dying at an alarming rate. The authorities stated that methyl-mercury-rich seafood shellfish caused sickness. Burning fossil fuels represent ≈52.7% Hg emissions. majorities mercury’s compounds are volatile thus travel hundreds miles with wind before being deposited on earth’s surface. High acidity dissolved organic carbon increase Hg-mobility in soil to enter food chain. Additionally, is taken up by areal plant parts via gas exchange. Mercury has no identified role plants while exhibiting high affinity form complexes soft ligands such sulfur this consequently inactivates amino acids sulfur-containing antioxidants. Long-term human exposure leads neurotoxicity children adults, immunological, cardiac, motor reproductive genetic disorders. Accordingly, remediating contaminated soils become obligation. Mercury, like other potentially toxic elements, not biodegradable, therefore, its remediation should encompass either removal from or even immobilization. This chapter discusses Hg’s chemical behavior, sources, health dangers, methods lower levels.

Language: Английский

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Paleolimnological characterization of metal(loid) sources and transport processes in Canadian subarctic lakes

Published: Jan. 1, 2021

Human-released metals are present to some extent in soil and sediment from even the remotest areas, including Canadian Arctic. The cumulative impact of legacy pollution, ongoing release contaminants climate change could lead important modifications metal transport transformation processes environment that can affect exposure biota humans metals. Large uncertainties remain regarding future on subarctic landscape, those be toxic low dose like mercury. Paleoecology is a powerful tool evaluate changes pollution recovery lakes by providing long-term records environmental conditions at relatively cost with rapid analysis. Paleoecological help fill research gaps current monitoring approaches can't address because lack temporal perspective. In this thesis, multiple archives were analysed compared understand accumulation occurred over last centuries millennia Canada, Yellowknife (Northwest Territories) Whitehorse Regions (Yukon). Multiple times series analysis developed individual impacts specific sources commonly affecting boreal lakes. These include local point-source emissions, catchment retention contaminants, released wildfires. This thesis provides quantification for seldom addressed literature so far, especially environments. Subarctic will continue receiving anthropogenic years regardless emissions retention. Terrestrial heavy retained catchments susceptible remobilisation toward aquatic environments natural such as land erosion permafrost thaw wildfires; these may enhanced change. Recovery any site also dependent parameters, explaining necessity characterise ecosystem different types ecosystems,

Language: Английский

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