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Atmospheric Mercury Isotopes and Meteorological Variables Reveal Local-Scale Impacts from Anthropogenic Emission
Chuan Wang1, Shaochen Yang2, Chuyan Lai3
1Laboratory of Karst Environmental Evolution and Ecological Security, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550081, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Urban Atmospheric Environment Observation and Pollution Prevention, Chongqing Academy of Eco-Environmental Science, Chongqing, 401147, China.
Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Mercury (Hg) isotopes reveal diel variations in total gaseous mercury (TGM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM) near a zinc smelter. Hg isotopes effectively traced smelter emissions and source contributions to ambient mercury.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Isotope Geochemistry
Background:
- Mercury (Hg) isotopes are crucial for tracking Hg sources and environmental fate.
- Understanding local-scale spatiotemporal Hg isotope variability is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diel, seasonal, and spatial variations of Hg isotopes (TGM and PBM) near a zinc smelter.
- To determine the contribution of the zinc smelter to ambient Hg pollution using isotope analysis.
Main Methods:
- Systematic sampling of total gaseous mercury (TGM) and particulate-bound mercury (PBM) near a zinc smelter.
- Analysis of mercury isotope ratios (δ²⁰²Hg, Δ¹⁹⁹Hg, Δ²⁰⁰Hg).
- Correlation with meteorological data and source apportionment.
Main Results:
- Significant diel variations observed in TGM (δ²⁰²Hg) and PBM (Δ¹⁹⁹Hg) values.
- Near-zero Δ¹⁹⁹Hg and Δ²⁰⁰Hg for smelter-impacted samples indicated wind direction shifts as primary drivers.
- Estimated zinc smelter contributions: 63.0 ± 19.2% for TGM and 72.3 ± 21.3% for PBM.
- No significant mass-independent fractionation (MIF) of flue gas Hg during short-range transport.
Conclusions:
- Hg isotopes are effective tools for tracing atmospheric Hg fate and sources at local scales.
- Diel and spatial variations in Hg isotopes are influenced by emission sources and meteorological conditions.
- Zinc smelter is a major source of ambient TGM and PBM, with significant contributions identified through isotope analysis.
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