Are we under-estimating mercury in soils? Experimental acidification and sample collection timing demonstrate variability in estimates of mercury in O-horizon soils at a Maine site
Nelson S and Johnson K. 2009. Are we under-estimating mercury in soils? Experimental acidification and sample collection timing demonstrate variability in estimates of mercury in O-horizon soils at a Maine site
Following from abstract: 'We collected O-horizon soil samples monthly from a single plot during 2008. We observed widely varying Hg (148-446 ppb), ~15-20% difference between acid-treated and control soil samples that suggested retarded mobility of Hg in soils collected during dry months and leaching of soluble Hg during wet months, and loss of ~100 ppb Hg (~22%) if acid treatment of dry sample was delayed a day or more.' Research recommendations: research to better quantify the seemingly rapid transformations of Hg that could be occurring in soil space seems warranted. /STUDY LOCATIONS:/ /MOUNT DESERT ISLAND/Schoodic Head/
- Type
- Published Report
- Authors
- Nelson, S.J.; Johnson, K.B.
- Date of Issue
- 2009
- Units
- ACAD
- Keywords
- Air, Air Quality, Atmosphere, deposition quality, Dry Deposition, Mercury, Mercury (Hg), Mount Desert Island, Pollution: non-point source, Precipitation, research recommendations, Schoodic Head, Snow, Water Quality