Mercury Speciation and Microbial Transformations in Mine Wastes, Stream Sediments, and Surface Waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain

August 5, 2004

Journal Article

Mercury Speciation and Microbial Transformations in Mine Wastes, Stream Sediments, and Surface Waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain

Abstract

Speciation of Hg and conversion to methyl-Hg were evaluated in mine wastes, sediments, and water collected from the Almaden District, Spain, the world’s largest Hg producing region. Our data for methyl-Hg, a neurotoxin hazardous to humans, are the first reported for sediment and water from the Almaden area. Concentrations of Hg and methyl-Hg in mine waste, sediment, and water from Almaden are among the highest found at Hg mines worldwide. Mine wastes from Almaden contain highly elevated Hg concentrations, ranging from 160 to 34,000 ug/g, and methyl-Hg varies from

Revised: October 7, 2011 | Published: August 5, 2004

Citation

Gray J.E., M.E. Hines, P.L. Higueras, I. Adatto, and B.K. Lasorsa. 2004. Mercury Speciation and Microbial Transformations in Mine Wastes, Stream Sediments, and Surface Waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain. Environmental Science & Technology 38, no. 16:4285-4292. PNWD-SA-6599. doi:10.1021/es040359d