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Riverine input of suspended particulate matter controls distribution, partitioning and transport of mercury and methylmercury in the Yellow River Estuary.
- Source :
-
Journal of Hazardous Materials . Aug2023, Vol. 455, pN.PAG-N.PAG. 1p. - Publication Year :
- 2023
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Abstract
- Riverine mercury (Hg) is the largest global source of Hg in coastal oceans. The Yellow River delivers the majority of Hg to the semi-enclosed Bohai Sea, where Hg contamination adversely affects the surrounding heavily populated provinces in northern China. Mercury distribution patterns in the river-estuary interacting area provides essential information to understand the riverine Hg transport and biogeochemical cycling of Hg in the estuary. Analyzing the spatial distributions of total- (THg) and methyl-Hg (MeHg) in the lower end of Yellow River (∼105 km) and adjacent estuary, we found the dominant role of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in Hg transport, with 99.1% and 86.3% of THg and MeHg being in particulate phase. The SPM dynamics, such as transport, retention, sorting and sedimentation, governs Hg transport with water flow and particle-water partition of Hg. While THg decreased along the water flow to the river mouth with the settlement of particulate THg (about 27.5% onto the riverbed and the rest entering the sea), MeHg and particulate MeHg increased by 110% and 117%, respectively. This study highlights the distinct patterns in THg and MeHg distribution and transport and suggests potential Hg methylation and external MeHg input in the river-estuary mixed zone. [Display omitted] • Mercury distribution patterns were revealed in the river-estuary interacting area. • Particulate THg and MeHg played dominant roles in the surface water. • SPM dynamics governs the transport and particle-water partition of Hg. • The distinct patterns in THg and MeHg show Hg methylation and external MeHg input. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 03043894
- Volume :
- 455
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Journal of Hazardous Materials
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 163946105
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.131597