Dataset Information

Gaseous Elemental Mercury and Total and Leached Mercury in Building Materials from the Former Hg-Mining Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Central Italy).

ABSTRACT: Mercury has a strong environmental impact since both its organic and inorganic forms are toxic, and it represents a pollutant of global concern. Liquid Hg is highly volatile and can be released during natural and anthropogenic processes in the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. In this study, the distribution of Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) and the total and leached mercury concentrations on paint, plaster, roof tiles, concrete, metals, dust and wood structures were determined in the main buildings and structures of the former Hg-mining area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Siena, Central Italy). The mining complex (divided into seven units) covers a surface of about 65 ha and contains mining structures and managers' and workers' buildings. Nine surveys of GEM measurements were carried out from July 2011 to August 2015 for the buildings and structures located in Units 2, 3 and 6, the latter being the area where liquid mercury was produced. Measurements were also performed in February, April, July, September and December 2016 in the edifices and mining structures of Unit 6. GEM concentrations showed a strong variability in time and space mostly depending on ambient temperature and the operational activities that were carried out in each building. The Unit 2 surveys carried out in the hotter period (from June to September) showed GEM concentrations up to 27,500 ng·m^-3, while in Unit 6, they were on average much higher, and occasionally, they saturated the GEM measurement device (>50,000 ng·m^-3). Concentrations of total (in mg·kg^-1) and leached (in ?g·L^-1) mercury measured in different building materials (up to 46,580 mg·kg^-1 and 4470 mg·L^-1, respectively) were highly variable, being related to the edifice or mining structure from which they were collected. The results obtained in this study are of relevant interest for operational cleanings to be carried out during reclamation activities.

SUBMITTER: Vaselli O

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5409626 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Gaseous Elemental Mercury and Total and Leached Mercury in Building Materials from the Former Hg-Mining Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Central Italy).

Vaselli Orlando O Nisi Barbara B Rappuoli Daniele D Cabassi Jacopo J Tassi Franco F

International journal of environmental research and public health 20170415 4

Mercury has a strong environmental impact since both its organic and inorganic forms are toxic, and it represents a pollutant of global concern. Liquid Hg is highly volatile and can be released during natural and anthropogenic processes in the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere. In this study, the distribution of Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) and the total and leached mercury concentrations on paint, plaster, roof tiles, concrete, metals, dust and wood structures were determined in the main ...[more]

PMID: 28420130

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Project description:Emissions of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM or Hg0) from different sources in urban areas are important subjects for environmental investigations. In this study, atmospheric Hg measurements were conducted to investigate air pollution in the urban environment by carrying out several mobile surveys in Mexico City. This work presents atmospheric concentrations of GEM in terms of diurnal variation trends and comparisons with criteria for pollutant concentrations such as CO, SO2, NO2, PM2.5, and PM10. The concentration of GEM was measured during the pre-rainy period by using a high-resolution active air sampler, the Lumex RA 915 M mercury analyzer. In comparison with those for other cities worldwide, the GEM concentrations were similar or slightly elevated, and they ranged from 0.20 to 30.23 ng m-3. However, the GEM concentration was significantly lower than those in contaminated areas, such as fluorescent lamp factory locations and gold mining zones. The GEM concentrations recorded in Mexico City did not exceed the WHO atmospheric limit of 200 ng m-3. We performed statistical correlation analysis which suggests equivalent sources between Hg and other atmospheric pollutants, mainly NO2 and SO2, emitted from urban combustion and industrial plants. The atmospheric Hg emissions are basically controlled by sunlight radiation, as well as having a direct relationship with meteorological parameters. The area of the city studied herein is characterized by high traffic density, cement production, and municipal solid waste (MSW) treatment, which constantly release GEM into the atmosphere. In this study, we included the simulation with the HYSPLIT dispersion model from three potential areas of GEM release. Emissions from industrial corridors and volcanic plumes localized outside the urban area contribute to the pollution of Mexico City and mainly affect the northern area during specific periods and climate conditions. Using the USEPA model, we assessed the human health risk resulting from exposure to inhaled GEM among residents of Mexico City. The results of the health risk assessment indicated no significant noncarcinogenic risk (hazard quotient (HQ) < 1) or consequent adverse effects for children and adults living in the sampling area over the study period. GEM emissions inventory data is necessary to improve our knowledge about the Hg contribution and effect in urban megacity areas with the objective to develop public safe policy and implementing the Minamata Convention.

Dataset Information

Gaseous Elemental Mercury and Total and Leached Mercury in Building Materials from the Former Hg-Mining Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Central Italy).

Publications

Gaseous Elemental Mercury and Total and Leached Mercury in Building Materials from the Former Hg-Mining Area of Abbadia San Salvatore (Central Italy).

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