Mercury concentration and distribution in soils impacted by long-term applied broiler litter

Mercury (Hg) is a non-essential element for plants and animals nutrition. Its presence in agricultural systems is of concern due to its high potential toxicity. Mercury is persistent in the environment and has been listed as a pollutant by several environmental organizations. This work focuses on Hg concentrations and distributions, trends, and relationships with some properties of soils that have received repeated broiler litter application and currently under pasture. Results revealed significant increase in Hg concentration from 41 to 105 microg kg(-1) and downward transport in the fields due to repeated applications. Correlation analysis indicated that sulfur and soil bulk density significantly (0.626*** and -0.645*** at p < or = 0.05, respectively) influenced its accumulation and distribution in this soil.