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Updated: Jun 3, 2026
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An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Relationship between sediment clay minerals and total mercury
Manoch Kongchum1, Wayne H Hudnall, R D DeLaune
1School of Plant, Environmental, and Soil Science, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA.
Summary
Mercury levels in Louisiana sediments correlate with clay content and specific minerals. Hydrated Interlayer Vermiculite and Smectite were dominant clay types linked to mercury. Organic matter and sulfur also showed significant correlations.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Geochemistry
- Sedimentology
Background:
- Mercury contamination in aquatic sediments is a widespread environmental concern.
- Understanding the factors controlling mercury distribution is crucial for risk assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between mercury concentrations and sediment properties in Louisiana.
- To identify specific clay minerals and geochemical factors associated with mercury accumulation.
Main Methods:
- Collected 262 sediment samples from Louisiana water bodies.
- Analyzed samples for total mercury, clay mineralogy (X-ray diffraction), and other physical-chemical properties.
- Used MacDiff software and Peak Height Percentage for clay mineral identification and quantification.
Main Results:
- Total mercury ranged from 11 to 401 ppb (μg/kg).
- Significant positive correlations were found between mercury and total clay content (r=0.538), Smectite (r=0.465), cation exchange capacity (r=0.404), organic matter (r=0.577), and sulfur (r=0.676).
- Hydrated Interlayer Vermiculite was the dominant clay mineral (51-83%).
Conclusions:
- Sediment clay content, particularly Smectite, is a significant factor controlling mercury levels in Louisiana.
- Geochemical properties like organic matter and sulfur content are strongly associated with mercury accumulation.
- These findings aid in predicting mercury behavior and mitigating contamination risks.
