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Methylmercury in Industrial Harbor Sediments in Taiwan: First Observations on Its Occurrence, Distribution, and Measurement

Author

Listed:
  • Chih-Feng Chen

    (Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan)

  • Yun-Ru Ju

    (Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan)

  • Guan-Ting Lin

    (Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan)

  • Chiu-Wen Chen

    (Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan)

  • Cheng-Di Dong

    (Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan)

Abstract

The distribution of methylmercury (MeHg) and total mercury (T-Hg) in sediments of the estuaries and the basin in Kaohsiung Harbor (Taiwan) is studied. MeHg in the sediment samples was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The certified reference material of sediments with respect to the method showed the recovery efficiency between 97.4 and 103.6% which confirmed the applicability of analysis method. The T-Hg and MeHg concentrations were between 149 to 9035 μg/kg and <0.31 to 17.7 μg/kg, respectively. The T-Hg and MeHg concentrations in the estuaries of Kaohsiung Harbor were relatively high. Results suggest that Hg in this studied area was likely contributed from the catchments of the rivers. The MeHg level was <0.01 to 2.66% of the T-Hg in the sediments. A positive correlation is obtained between MeHg, T-Hg, and total organic carbon in the sediments, whereas a negative correlation is observed between pH, oxidation-reduction potential, and MeHg concentration. The results further suggest that sediment characteristics contribute mainly to the distribution of MeHg.

Suggested Citation

  • Chih-Feng Chen & Yun-Ru Ju & Guan-Ting Lin & Chiu-Wen Chen & Cheng-Di Dong, 2018. "Methylmercury in Industrial Harbor Sediments in Taiwan: First Observations on Its Occurrence, Distribution, and Measurement," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-13, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:8:p:1765-:d:164116
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Chih-Feng Chen & Yun-Ru Ju & Yee Cheng Lim & Jih-Hsing Chang & Chiu-Wen Chen & Cheng-Di Dong, 2018. "Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Di-(2-ethylhexyl) Phthalate in Urban River Sediments," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-12, October.
    2. Pinpin Lin & Fan-Hua Nan & Min-Pei Ling, 2021. "Dietary Exposure of the Taiwan Population to Mercury Content in Various Seafood Assessed by a Total Diet Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-17, November.

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