Gas-phase mercury in the atmosphere over the southern Baltic Sea coast

Results of atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) measurements performed a t two Baltic Sea coastal stations, Peninsula Hel (Poland) and Preila (Lithu ania), from June 16 to August 11, 1997, are presented. High time-resolution data were obtained by using automated atomic absorption mercury vapor anal yzers (Model Gardis-1A). Analysis of TGM concentration data (directional di stribution, correlation with meteorological parameters, diurnal variability ) detected the Baltic sea, in particular its southern part and Gulf of Gdan sk, as the main gaseous mercury source for the region during the summer mon ths. The source seemed to be activated by solar radiation, air temperature, and, probably, wind. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights reserved.