Mercury emissions from contaminated soils

Abstract

This study presents data of mercury emission rates from contaminated soils of the main mercury district worldwide, namely Almadén. Meteorological parameters and soil condition were the factors taken in consideration in relation with emission rates obtained with a dynamic flux chamber (DFC). Mercury emission from Almadén contaminated soils are in a similar range (27 – 671 ng·m-2·h-1) with respect to other mercury contaminated soils by mining or industrial activities. Solar radiation and soil temperature are the meteorological parameters with higher correlation factors with mercury emission rates. Soil cover is also important in prevention soil degassing and mercury emission.