Inorganic and methyl-mercury speciation in sediments of the Swarzędzkie Lake

Author: Baralkiewicz Danuta  

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

ISSN: 0275-7540

Source: Chemistry and Ecology, Vol.23, Iss.2, 2007-04, pp. : 93-103

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Abstract

Sediment samples were analysed for mercury and methylmercury content in different parts of the bottom sediment of Swarz ędzkie Lake, which were influenced by different external pollution sources. The results of determination with two methods of mineralization using two separate media (HNO3/H2O2 and HF) were compared. The accuracy of the studied methods was analysed using certified reference material IAEA 405 of river sediment. The recovery of mercury was satisfactory and ranged from 97.5 to 98.8%. Methylmercury compounds in the studied sediments were found in limited concentrations. Their concentrations ranged from 0.26 to 58.1 g kg-1, i.e. 1.0-7.4% of the total mercury content. The depth profile displayed high values of both total and methylmercury content at a depth of 10-20 cm, related to the heavy pollution of the lake in the 1980s. Canonical analysis displayed the relationship of both total mercury and methylmercury concentrations with organic matter and phosphorus content in bottom sediments.