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The role of humic substances in the mobilization of mercury from watersheds

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Abstract

The total Hg concentration was estimated in eight inflowing streams from two headwater lakes and catchments in Ontario over a 2-yr period. Marked seasonal patterns in all brown water streams were evident, with highest levels usually occurring in the early fall and early spring. The seasonal pattern and the estimated export of Hg was most closely related to color, a measure of humic matter in the water. The data suggest that humic matter controls the solubility and watershed export of Hg deposited in precipitation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The Ontario Ministry of the Environment Dorset Research Centre, P. O. Box 39, POA 1EO, Dorset, Ontario, Canada

    G. Mierle & R. Ingram

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  1. G. Mierle
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  2. R. Ingram
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Mierle, G., Ingram, R. The role of humic substances in the mobilization of mercury from watersheds. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 56, 349–357 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00342282

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