Total Hg and methylmercury concentrations were measured in mine-waste calcines (retorted ore), sediment, and water samples collected in and around abandoned mercury mines in western Nevada to evaluate Hg methylation at the mines and in the Humboldt River basin. Mine-waste calcines contain total Hg concentrations as high as 14 000 ?g/g. Stream-sediment samples collected within 1 km of the mercury mines contain total Hg concentrations as high as 170 ?g/g, whereas stream sediments collected >5 km from the mines, and those collected from the Humboldt River and regional baseline sites, contain total Hg concentrations 8 km from any mercury mines. Our data indicate little transference of Hg and methylmercury from the sediment to the water column due to the lack of mine runoff in this desert climate.
Revised: August 20, 2003 |
Published: December 1, 2002
Citation
Gray J.E., J.G. Crock, and B.K. Lasorsa. 2002.Mercury Methylation at Mercury Mines In The Humboldt River Basin, Nevada, USA.Geochemistry. Exploration, Environment, and Analysis 2, no. 2:143-149. PNWD-SA-5598.