An updated review of atmospheric mercury

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 2020-03, Vol.707, p.135575, Article 135575
• Main Authors: Lyman, Seth N., Cheng, Irene, Gratz, Lynne E., Weiss-Penzias, Peter, Zhang, Leiming
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Chemistry; Deposition; Gas-particle partitioning; Oxidized
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135575

The atmosphere is a key component of the biogeochemical cycle of mercury, acting as a reservoir, transport mechanism, and facilitator of chemical reactions. The chemical and physical behavior of atmospheric mercury determines how, when, and where emitted mercury pollution impacts ecosystems. In this review, we provide current information about what is known and what remains uncertain regarding mercury in the atmosphere. We discuss new ambient, laboratory, and theoretical information about the chemistry of mercury in various atmospheric media. We review what is known about mercury in and on solid- and liquid-phase aerosols. We present recent findings related to wet and dry deposition and spatial and temporal trends in atmospheric mercury concentrations. We also review atmospheric measurement methods that are in wide use and those that are currently under development. [Display omitted] •The atmosphere is an important part of the global mercury biogeochemical cycle.•This paper reviews the physical and chemical aspects of mercury in the atmosphere.•We focus on new research and remaining uncertainties.•Mercury concentrations, chemistry, and distribution in the atmosphere are changing.•New methods and additional measurements are needed to fill in knowledge gaps.