Hydrobiochemical balance of total mercury in a forest catchment area at former cinnabar mining locality

Abstract

We studied the hydrobiochemical balance of total mercury (THg) in a forest ecosystem covering an area affected by mining activity in the past (14th – 18th cent.) in the Kremnické vrchy Mts. (central Slovakia). A reference plot was located in an undisturbed area very close to primeval forest of Badínsky prales natural reserve. We analysed THg in bulk precipitation, throughfall, litterfall, forest floor percolate, forest soil and assimilatory organs of tree species. Results pointed out to high wet mercury deposition at both plots (51 μg·m−2·yr−1 an area near a cinnabar mining (MP1) and 37 μg·m−2·yr−1, in a reference catchment area near the protected primary forest (MP2)) as well as high THg deposition by throughfall (74 μg·m−2·yr−1 and 51 μg·m−2·yr−1, respectively in MP1 and MP2). Litterfall does not represent the main THg flux into forest soil but together with throughfall doubles the THg input compared to open space deposition. Forest ecosystem has ability to capture atmospheric Hg and thus makes new sources of mercury inputs (throughfall and litterfall) into soil.

Interactions of natural and anthropogenic drivers and hydrological processes on local and regional scales: A review of main results of Slovak hydrology from 2019 to 2022

“…It will be useful for determining the optimal distribution range of European beech under changing climate conditions in hydrological modelling. Mačejná et al (2021) hydro-bio-chemical balance of total mercury at former cinnabar mining locality. The most important fluxes of total mercury in two small forested catchment areas with different anthropogenic loads in the Kremnické vrchy Mountains.…”

Assessment of the Effect of Meteorological Conditions on the Concentration of Suspended PM2.5 Particulate Matter in Central Europe

“…Thus, the concentration of PM 2.5 particulate matter is to some extent determined by air pollution in the form of gaseous pollutants, hydrocarbons, metal ions (including heavy metals), and nanoparticles [13]. Fine particulate matter is often a source of dangerous heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury [14]. Xu et al [15] reported that most particulate mercury (PHg) was concentrated in finer PM 2.5 particles.…”