thumbnail

Interactions between dissolved organic matter and mercury in the Florida Everglades

Journal De Physique. IV : JP
By: , , , , and 
Edited by: Boutron C.Ferrari C.
https://doi.org/10.1051/jp4:20030235

Links

Abstract

Experiments were conducted using organic matter isolated from various surface waters in the Florida Everglades to study the interactions between dissolved organic matter (DOM) and Hg (II). Conditional distribution coefficients ( $K_{DOM^\prime}$), obtained using an equilibriurn dialysis ligand exchange method, were strongly affected by the Hg/DOM concentration ratio. Very strong interactions ( $K_{{\rm DOM}^\prime}$ = 10 $^{23.2 \pm 05}$ L kg -1), indicative of Hg-thiol bonds, were observed at Hg/DOM ratios below approximately 1 $\mu$g Hg per mg DOM. Above approximately 10 $\mu$g Hg per mg DOM much lower $K_{{\rm DOM}^\prime}$ values ( $10^{10.7\pm 05}$ L kg -1) were obtained. DOM-Hg interactions were also studied by HgS (log K $_{\rm sp}=-52.4$) dissolution and precipitation experiments. In the dissolution experiments, a significant amount of Hg was released from cinnabar in the presence of DOM, suggesting strong interactions. Conversely, precipitation of HgS was strongly inhibited in the presence of low concentrations ( $\leq$3 mg C/L) of DOM. In both the dissolution and precipitation experiments, organic matter rich in aromatic moities was more reactive with HgS than less aromatic fractions and sulfur-containing model compounds. These results suggest that DOM can influence the geochemistry of inorganic complexes of Hg in the Everglades, especially HgS, by strong Hg-DOM binding and colloidal stabilization.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Interactions between dissolved organic matter and mercury in the Florida Everglades
Series title Journal De Physique. IV : JP
DOI 10.1051/jp4:20030235
Volume 107
Issue I
Year Published 2003
Language English
Publisher ECO Sciences
Contributing office(s) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program
Description 4 p.
First page 29
Last page 32
Conference Title XII International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment
Conference Location Grenoble, France
Conference Date May 26-30, 2003
Country United States
State Florida
Other Geospatial Everglades
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details