Mercury transport in a high-elevation watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Mast, M. A.; Campbell, D. H.; Krabbenhoft, D. P.; Taylor, H. E.

Abstract:

Mercury (Hg) was measured in stream water and precipitation in the Loch Vale watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado, during 2001-2002 to investigate processes controlling Hg transport in high-elevation ecosystems. Total Hg concentrations in precipitation ranged from 2.6 to 36.2 ng/L and showed a strong seasonal pattern with concentrations that were 3 to 4 times higher during summer months. Annual bulk deposition of Hg was 8.3 to 12.4 ?? g/m 2 and was similar to deposition rates in the Midwestern and Northeastern U.S. Total Hg concentrations in streams ranged from 0.8 to 13.5 ng/L and were highest in mid-May on the rising limb of the snowmelt hydrograph. Stream-water Hg was positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon suggesting organically complexed Hg was flushed into streams from near-surface soil horizons during the early stages of snowmelt. Methylmercury (MeHg) in stream water peaked at 0.048 ng/L just prior to peak snowmelt but was at or below detection (< 0.040 ng/L) for the remainder of the snowmelt season. Annual export of total Hg in Loch Vale streams ranged from 1.2 to 2.3 ?? g/m2, which was less than 20% of wet deposition, indicating the terrestrial environment is a net sink of atmospheric Hg. Concentrations of MeHg in stream water and corresponding watershed fluxes were low, indicating low methylation rates or high demethylation rates or both. ?? Springer 2005.

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Article

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70029505

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Mast, M. A.; Campbell, D. H.; Krabbenhoft, D. P.; Taylor, H. E.

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1-4

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English

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Water, Air, and Soil Pollution

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Mercury transport in a high-elevation watershed in Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado; 2005; Article; Journal; Water, Air, and Soil Pollution; Mast, M. A.; Campbell, D. H.; Krabbenhoft, D. P.; Taylor, H. E.