Ultraviolet absorbance as a proxy for total dissolved mercury in streams
Links
- More information: Publisher Index Page (via DOI)
- Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core
Abstract
Stream water samples were collected over a range of hydrologic and seasonal conditions at three forested watersheds in the northeastern USA. Samples were analyzed for dissolved total mercury (THgd), DOC concentration and DOC composition, and UV254 absorbance across the three sites over different seasons and flow conditions. Pooling data from all sites, we found a strong positive correlation of THgd to DOC (r2 = 0.87), but progressively stronger correlations of THgd with the hydrophobic acid fraction (HPOA) of DOC (r2 = 0.91) and with UV254 absorbance (r2 = 0.92). The strength of the UV254 absorbance-THgd relationship suggests that optical properties associated with dissolved organic matter may be excellent proxies for THgd concentration in these streams. Ease of sample collection and analysis, the potential application of in-situ optical sensors, and the possibility for intensive monitoring over the hydrograph make this an effective, inexpensive approach to estimate THgd flux in drainage waters.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Ultraviolet absorbance as a proxy for total dissolved mercury in streams |
| Series title | Environmental Pollution |
| DOI | 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.01.031 |
| Volume | 157 |
| Issue | 6 |
| Year Published | 2009 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Toxic Substances Hydrology Program |
| Description | 4 p. |
| First page | 1953 |
| Last page | 1956 |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |