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Measurements and Distribution of Atmospheric Particulate-Bound Mercury: A Review

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Abstract

Atmospheric particulate-bound mercury (PBM) plays an important role in the geochemical cycling of mercury (Hg). This study reviewed research progress of the PBM, including the possible emission and deposition pathways, measurement methods and the global distribution. The primary PBM sources are anthropogenic sources, but natural sources could be also a considerable contributor, for instance, chemical transport and dust in the arid and desert area. Different filter methods, such as quartz fibre filters, have been applied to the PBM measurement, and PBM can also be real-time monitored automatically. Generally, the average PBM concentrations were higher in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere. However, the PBM level of Antarctica is quite high. PBM concentrations were higher in the urban areas than in the remote areas, and there was a high PBM level in the developing countries. Moreover, high PBM concentrations were observed in the range 20°–60° of northern latitude.

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Change history

  • 05 July 2019

    The original version of this article unfortunately contained a mistake in units.

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Acknowledgements

This work was funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (41703134) and the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFC0212001).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China

    Hui Zhang, Xuewu Fu, Xun Wang & Xinbin Feng

  2. CAS Center for Excellence in Quaternary Science and Global Change, Xi’an, 710061, China

    Xuewu Fu & Xinbin Feng

  3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Xinbin Feng

  4. College of Resources and Environment, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China

    Xun Wang

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  1. Hui Zhang
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Correspondence to Hui Zhang.

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Zhang, H., Fu, X., Wang, X. et al. Measurements and Distribution of Atmospheric Particulate-Bound Mercury: A Review. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 103, 48–54 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-019-02663-5

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