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Transformation processes involving mercury species in the atmosphere — results from a literature survey

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Abstract

Mercury is released into the atmosphere from natural and anthropogenic sources. Once in the air, Hg species will be dispersed, chemically and physically transformed, and transported over varying distances (regional, continental and global scales) while concurrently being subjected to removal processes. Modeling of the aerial transport and deposition of Hg to receptor sites offers an attractive approach for integrating existing experimental data and represents an important tool for advancing our understanding of environmental Hg pollution. Comprehensive modeling efforts of the atmospheric pathways and fate of this heavy metal require knowledge of its atmospheric chemistry. To update and consolidate available information relevant to the atmospheric chemistry of Hg, a computer-assisted search was undertaken of the primary scientific literature published during the last ten years. Selected results from this literature survey are presented in this paper.

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Schroeder, W.H., Yarwood, G. & Niki, H. Transformation processes involving mercury species in the atmosphere — results from a literature survey. Water, Air, and Soil Pollution 56, 653–666 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00342307

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