Background mercury concentrations in river water in Maine, U.S.A.

Abstract

Mercury concentrations in 58 rivers in Maine was measured to range from below detection up to 7.01 ng L(-1) and averaged 1.80 +/- 1.29 ng L(-1). The concentration gradient for mercury in rivers across the state was not uniform. Mercury strongly correlated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and aluminum, and less strongly with copper, lead, and zinc. Mercury exhibited significant differences in correlations with chemical variables and local geology when partitioned by flow state (high or low). Mercury concentrations were greatest in rivers flowing across either wacke-type bedrock at low metamorphic grade, or glacial-till deposits. Elevated concentrations of mercury formed a locus in northern Maine under both high and low-flow states while in southwestern Maine a locus formed only during high-flow states. These regional differences were statistically significant when compared by geographical location. We suggest that there is a bedrock source of mercury in northeastern Maine that is diluted during periods of high runoff. The elevated concentrations detected under high-flow states, as noted in southwestern Maine, may reflect mercury released from storage in association with DOC during periods of high runoff. The association of mercury with flow state indicates that watershed processes and local geology can modulate the concentration of mercury in rivers.