Distribution of mercury and methylmercury in the sediments of a lowland river system

Abstract

Concentrations of total mercury (T-Hg) and methylmercury (MeHg) were determined in surficial sediments from the River Yare, Norfolk, UK over the period 1986–1998, to assess the temporal and spatial trends of contamination arising from a historical point source discharge. The results demonstrate that the spatial distribution pattern follows that of a distinct pollution plume in the sediments with an initial increase 2–3 km downstream from the point source discharge at Whitlingham sewage treatment works (STW) outfall. Temporally, this pollution plume remains evident, although there has been an overall decline in the mean T-Hg concentrations from 5.4 in 1986 to 1.8 mg kg −1 in 1998. The major factor for this improvement has been the reduction in discharge of metals from the STW, together with burial by a fresh overlay of uncontaminated sediments. MeHg concentrations also exhibited a dispersed pollution plume. Mean concentrations of MeHg fluctuated during the study period between 3.3 and 8.5 μg kg −1 . There has been no concomitant decline in MeHg concentrations over this period. MeHg was found to constitute less than 1% of T-Hg concentrations in the sediments. The weak correlations observed between T-Hg and MeHg concentrations indicate external environmental factors have a significant influence on determining MeHg concentrations in the sedimentary compartment.