Mercury speciation and microbial transformations in mine wastes, stream sediments, and surface waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain
Environmental Science & Technology
By: John E. Gray, Mark E. Hines, Pablo L. Higueras, Isaac Adatto, and Brenda K. Lasorsa
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Abstract
Speciation of Hg and conversion to methyl-Hg were evaluated in mine wastes, sediments, and water collected from the Almade??n District, Spain, the world's largest Hg producing region. Our data for methyl-Hg, a neurotoxin hazardous to humans, are the first reported for sediment and water from the Almade??n area. Concentrations of Hg and methyl-Hg in mine waste, sediment, and water from Almade??n are among the highest found at Hg mines worldwide. Mine wastes from Almade??n contain highly elevated Hg concentrations, ranging from 160 to 34 000 ??g/g, and methyl-Hg varies from <0.20 to 3100 ng/g. Isotopic tracer methods indicate that mine wastes at one site (Almadenejos) exhibit unusually high rates of Hg-methylation, which correspond with mine wastes containing the highest methyl-Hg concentrations. Streamwater collected near the Almade??n mine is also contaminated, containing Hg as high as 13 000 ng/L and methyl-Hg as high as 30 ng/L; corresponding stream sediments contain Hg concentrations as high as 2300 ??g/g and methyl-Hg concentrations as high as 82 ng/g. Several streamwaters contain Hg concentrations in excess of the 1000 ng/L World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Methyl-Hg formation and degradation was rapid in mines wastes and stream sediments demonstrating the dynamic nature of Hg cycling. These data indicate substantial downstream transport of Hg from the Almade??n mine and significant conversion to methyl-Hg in the surface environment.
Suggested Citation
Gray, J.E., Hines, M.E., Higueras, P.L., Adatto, I., and Lasorsa, B.K., 2004, Mercury speciation and microbial transformations in mine wastes, stream sediments, and surface waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain: Environmental Science & Technology, v. 38, no. 16, p. 4285-4292, https://doi.org/10.1021/es040359d.
ISSN: 1520-5851 (online)
ISSN: 0013-936X (print)
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Mercury speciation and microbial transformations in mine wastes, stream sediments, and surface waters at the Almaden Mining District, Spain |
| Series title | Environmental Science & Technology |
| DOI | 10.1021/es040359d |
| Volume | 38 |
| Issue | 16 |
| Publication Date | July 14, 2004 |
| Year Published | 2004 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | ACS Publications |
| Description | 8 p. |
| First page | 4285 |
| Last page | 4292 |
| Online Only (Y/N) | N |
| Additional Online Files (Y/N) | N |