Mass Balance of Total Mercury and Monomethylmercury in Coastal Embayments of a Volcanic Island: Significance of Submarine Groundwater Discharge

Submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is identified as a significant source of mercury (Hg) and monomethylmercury (MMHg) in coastal embayments, contributing substantially to their mass budgets. In Hwasun Bay, SGD accounts for 34% of Hg and 55% of MMHg, while in Bangdu Bay, it dominates with 67% of Hg and 64% of MMHg. Atmospheric deposition also plays a notable role, particularly in Hwasun Bay (25% of Hg). The study highlights that SGD must be considered alongside atmospheric deposition and sediment diffusion as primary sources for Hg and MMHg mass budgets, despite spatial variations in discharge rates. This research employed preliminary mass balance estimates to quantify these contributions, underscoring the importance of SGD in coastal mercury cycling on volcanic islands.

Lee, Y.-g., Rahman, MD. M., Kim, G., & Han, S. (2011). Mass Balance of Total Mercury and Monomethylmercury in Coastal Embayments of a Volcanic Island: Significance of Submarine Groundwater Discharge. Environmental Science & Technology, 45(23), 9891–9900. https://doi.org/10.1021/es202093z