ATMOSPHERIC MERCURY MAPPING IN A CINNABAR MINING AREA

A mobile differential absorption lidar system was used in conjunction with point monitors to study the spatial and temporal distribution of atomic mercury in the atmosphere around an abandoned mercury mine at A bbadia S. Salvatore, Italy. The use of the remote sensing technique al lows a fast coverage of large areas both horizontally and vertically w ith a good temporal resolution. Concentrations exceeding 1000 ng/m3 we re measured close to the distillation plant and considerably elevated values also were evident above deposits of roasted cinnabar. Vertical gradients of the mercury concentration in air were established. These showed a very pronounced decrease a few centimeters above the ground.