Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Atmospheric mercury inputs in montane soils increase with elevation: evidence from mercury isotope signatures
Hua Zhang1, Run-sheng Yin, Xin-bin Feng
11] State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China [2] Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway [3].
Abstract:
The influence of topography on the biogeochemical cycle of mercury (Hg) has received relatively little attention. Here, we report the measurement of Hg species and their corresponding isotope composition in soil sampled along an elevational gradient transect on Mt. Leigong in subtropical southwestern China. The data are used to explain orography-related effects on the fate and behaviour of Hg species in montane environments. The total- and methyl-Hg concentrations in topsoil samples show a positive correlation with elevation. However, a negative elevation dependence was observed in the mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) and mass-independent fractionation (MIF) signatures of Hg isotopes. Both a MIF (Δ(199)Hg) binary mixing approach and the traditional inert element method indicate that the content of Hg derived from the atmosphere distinctly increases with altitude.
More Related Videos
06:52Experimental Column Setup for Studying Anaerobic Biogeochemical Interactions Between Iron OxyHydroxides, Trace Elements, and Bacteria
Published on: December 19, 2017
09:16Methods of Soil Resampling to Monitor Changes in the Chemical Concentrations of Forest Soils
Published on: November 25, 2016
Related Concept Videos
Microbes and Climate Change
The Sulfur Cycle
Global Climate Change
Gravimetry: Inorganic And Organic Precipitating Agents
Mass Spectrometry: Isotope Effect