Atmospheric Particle Bound Mercury Hg(p) Concentrations and Amounts in Total Suspended Particulates and Dry Deposition at an Industrial and Wetland Sampling Sites in Taiwan

Abstract

The focus of this study is to observe the seasonal variations of particulate bound mercury Hg(p) concentration and amount of Hg(p) (ng/g) in total suspended particulates (TSP) and dry deposition at two (industrial and wetland) characteristic sampling sites in Taiwan, during the years 2009–2010. Concentrations of Hg(p) from each sample (quartz filter, overhead projection film) were analyzed by a direct Hg(p) analyzer DMA-80. Approximately 30 mg of the filter sample was loaded directly into the DMA-80 and analyzed. The results indicated that the mean highest Hg(p) in TSP (expressed in ng/m3) and dry deposition (expressed in ng/m2/min) both occurred at the industrial site (Quan-xing) while the corresponding mean lowest Hg(p) concentrations occurred at the wetland site (Gao-mei). Also, the mean highest amount of Hg(p) (expressed in ng/g) in TSP and dry deposition occurred at the industrial site (Quan-xing), while the mean lowest amount of Hg(p) occurred at the wetland site (Gao-mei). Metal products manufacturing and heavily loaded traffic during weekdays were possible sources responsible for the high concentrations of Hg(p) observed at Quan-xing (industrial) sampling site.