Zvalaren, S. D., UNC Wilmington, Wilmington, USA, zvalarens@uncw.edu
Kieber, R. J., UNC Wilmington, Wilmington, USA, kieberr@uncw.edu
Skrabal, S. A., UNC Wilmington, Wilmington, USA, skrabals@uncw.edu
Willey, J. D., UNC Wilmington, Wilmington, USA, willeyj@uncw.edu

DISTRIBUTION OF MERCURY SPECIES IN THE CAPE FEAR RIVER ESTUARY, NORTH CAROLINA

Distributions of total dissolved (TDHg), particulate (Hg_part) and monomethylmercury (MeHg) were determined in the organic-rich Cape Fear River estuary (CFRE), southeastern North Carolina, from July 2004 to September 2006. These data represent the most detailed time series of MeHg, TDHg and Hg_part in a southeastern US estuary. Correlation analyses indicate that the important parameters controlling mercury speciation in this system are salinity, dissolved organic carbon and total suspended solids. Concentrations of MeHg, TDHg and Hg_part range from <0.1 to 1.7 pM, <1 to 22 pM and <1 to 46 pM, respectively. Concentrations of all Hg species were higher in the freshwater region of the CFRE. TDHg and Hg_part were correlated with DOC in this estuary. Particulate MeHg was approximately equal in concentration to dissolved MeHg. TDHg and MeHg showed conservative estuarine mixing; Hgpart increased in the bottom waters in the high salinity region of the estuary. The CFRE does not contribute significant TDHg or MeHg to the adjacent Long Bay; however it can be a significant source for Hg_part.

Oral presentation

Presentation is given by student: Yes
Session #:187
Date: 03-07-2008
Time: 08:45