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Updated: Jul 5, 2026
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An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
ASSESSING MERCURY LEVELS IN THE WASTEWATER OF AN AGING RESEARCH LABORATORY BUILDING
Gregory A Ragan1, W Gregory Alvord
1EHS, SAIC-Frederick, National Cancer Institute-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702.
Chemical Health & Safety
|April 29, 2008
Summary
Aging laboratory facilities face mercury discharge challenges. Wastewater analysis revealed elevated mercury levels in pipe sediment and outflow, exceeding safe limits for treatment plants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Analytical Chemistry
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Aging laboratory facilities may struggle with stringent mercury discharge regulations.
- Mercury compounds can accumulate in plumbing systems, leading to elevated wastewater concentrations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess total mercury levels in the wastewater system of an aging laboratory building.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Jerome 431 Mercury Vapor Analyzer for screening mercury deposition in lab sink traps.
Main Methods:
- Collected wastewater outflow, sink trap water, and pipe sediment samples.
- Utilized the Jerome 431 Mercury Vapor Analyzer for mercury analysis.
Main Results:
- The three-day average mercury discharge exceeded local release parameters.
- Elevated mercury concentrations were consistently found in pipe sediment and outflow samples.
- Sink traps did not contain the majority of the mercury.
Conclusions:
- Aging laboratory plumbing systems can be significant sources of mercury discharge.
- Wastewater monitoring is crucial for compliance with environmental regulations.
- Further investigation into mercury accumulation in plumbing systems is warranted.
