Distribution and partition of total mercury in waters of the Tapajós River Basin, Brazilian Amazon

Abstract

Filtered water and particulate burdens of Hg (0.43–2.81 ng/l and 0.28–13.13 ng/l, respectively) in the Tapajós River (Brazilian Amazon) are one order of magnitude lower than previously reported concentrations in Amazonian waters. Hg content in the water column is influenced by the amount of particulate matter and is independent from upstream goldmining activities. The particulate load of Hg in the river is attributable to sedimentation patterns in relation to physiography of the river. We contend that the particulate Hg in the river and its tributaries is strongly influenced by fine particles eroded from pertubated soils in the river catchment.