Sources and remediation for mercury contamination in aquatic systems—a literature review

Sources of mercury contamination in aquatic systems were studied in a comprehensive literature review. The results show that the most important anthropogenic sources of mercury pollution in aquatic systems are: (1) atmospheric deposition, (2) erosion, (3) urban discharges, (4) agricultural materials...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental pollution (1987) 2004-09, Vol.131 (2), p.323-336
Main Authors: Wang, Qianrui, Kim, Daekeun, Dionysiou, Dionysios D., Sorial, George A., Timberlake, Dennis
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Aquatic systems
Biological and physicochemical phenomena
Capping
Contamination
Decontamination - methods
Dredging
Earth sciences
Earth, ocean, space
Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics
Exact sciences and technology
Mercury
Mercury - analysis
Modeling
Models, Chemical
Natural attenuation
Natural water pollution
Pollution
Pollution, environment geology
Remedial
Risk Assessment
Sediment
Sources
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Sources of mercury contamination in aquatic systems were studied in a comprehensive literature review. The results show that the most important anthropogenic sources of mercury pollution in aquatic systems are: (1) atmospheric deposition, (2) erosion, (3) urban discharges, (4) agricultural materials, (5) mining, and (6) combustion and industrial discharges. Capping and dredging are two possible remedial approaches to mercury contamination in aquatic systems, and natural attenuation is a passive decontamination alternative. Capping seems to be an economical and effective remedial approach to mercury-contaminated aquatic systems. Dredging is an expensive remedial approach. However, for heavily polluted systems, dredging may be more effective. Natural attenuation, involving little or no cost, is a possible and very economical choice for less contaminated sites. Proper risk assessment is necessary to evaluate the effectiveness of remedial and passive decontamination methods as well as their potential adverse environmental effects. Modeling tools have a bright future in the remediation and passive decontamination of mercury contamination in aquatic systems. Existing mercury transport and transformation models were reviewed and compared.
ISSN:0269-7491
1873-6424
DOI:10.1016/j.envpol.2004.01.010