Abstract
Experimental results from a study of the gas and aqueous phase reactions of elemental mercury (Hg°) with methyl iodide (CH3I) and dimethyl sulfide (DMS) are presented. In aqueous phase experiments with CH3I we found no observable increase in methyl mercury (MeHg). A small formation of MeHg, however, was observed in some (but not all) gas phase experiments in sunlight. A loss of Hg° and a simultaneous formation of oxidized mercury (Hg(II)) was also observed in these experiments. No reaction, neither methylation or oxidation, was found between Hg° and DMS under any conditions investigated. These experiments suggest that a simple homogeneous gas or aqueous phase methylation of Hg° by DMS or CH3I in the atmosphere cannot account for the significant levels of MeHg observed in precipitation.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
