A laboratory based experimental study of mercury emission from contaminated soils in the River Idrijca catchment

Mercury emissions from contaminated soils in the Idrija Hg-mine region, Slovenia, exhibit significant variability depending on distance from mining sources and environmental conditions. Laboratory flux measurements revealed that mercury emission fluxes (MEFs) ranged from less than 2 to 530 ng m^-2 h^-1, with the highest emissions observed in alluvial soils near the mining district. The study found a strong positive correlation between MEF and three key environmental parameters: soil temperature, moisture, and solar radiation. Notably, light-induced mercury flux was independent of soil temperature, while the aqueous phase in soil appeared to recharge the available mercury pool for both light- and thermally-induced emissions. The overall flux response varied significantly based on the form of mercury present, with higher activation energies required for soils dominated by insoluble cinnabar compared to those with more mobile mercury forms. This research highlights the complex interplay between environmental factors and mercury speciation in determining emission dynamics.

Kocman, D., & Horvat, M. (2010). A laboratory based experimental study of mercury emission from contaminated soils in the River Idrijca catchment. Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 10(3), 1417–1426. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-10-1417-2010