K. Schluter, TRANSLOCATION OF HG-203 LABELED HGCL2, AND CH3HGCL IN AN IRON-HUMUS PODZOL STUDIED BY RADIO-ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES, Zeitschrift fur Pflanzenernahrung und Bodenkunde, 159(2), 1996, pp. 215-226
Since increased Hg-concentrations in fish in lakes and rivers in north
ern Europe, northern parts of the U.S.A. and Canada were found, enviro
nmental Hg research has focused intensively on the factors determining
leaching of mercury from soil into water systems. This article presen
ts the results of a leaching experiment with undisturbed soil columns
treated with HgCl2 and CH3HgCl using radio-analytical techniques. The
columns were irrigated with rain of different acidity, rain volumes an
d irrigation intensities. The leaching of mercury was traced volumes a
nd irrigation intensities. The leaching of mercury was traced by detec
ting the vertical distribution of Hg-203 in the soil profiles. Advanta
ges and disadvantages of radioanalytical scanning techniques are discu
ssed. The results of Hg leaching in the soil columns indicate a consid
erably stronger leaching of monomethyl mercury compared to inorganic m
ercury. Leaching of the two Hg-species is ruled by competition of H+ i
nduced soil-Hg desorption with DOM-Hg complex formation; both being af
fected by rain acidity. Rain intensity had no visible effect on leachi
ng of Hg2+ and CH3Hg+. An extended rain duration increased the leachin
g of CH3Hg+.