Mercury contamination of soil as the result of long-term phosphate fertilizer production.
This study was aimed at determining the range and spatial distribution of mercury in a geographical area influenced by the emissions of phosphate fertilizers industries in Rio Grande, Brazil. The case study demonstrated that mercury concentrations in a fine fraction of the surface soil close to the fertilizer factory reached levels as high as 800 microg kg(-1). Increased mercury concentrations were detected up to 60 cm below the soil surface. Further, a significant impact of the elevated mercury levels was manifested in a 1-km zone around the factory. Technical grade sulfuric acid employed in superphosphate production is considered the principal source of this mercury contamination.
Mirlean
Nicolai
N
Department of Geosciences, Fundação Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, CP 474, Rio Grande, RS 96201-900, Brazil. dgeonmir@furg.br
Baisch
Paulo
P
Machado
Isabel
I
Shumilin
Evgueni
E
D001938:Brazil; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005308:Fertilizers; D005843:Geography; D007220:Industrial Waste; D008628:Mercury / Q000032:analysis*; D010710:Phosphates; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D013997:Time Factors
D005308:Fertilizers; D007220:Industrial Waste; D010710:Phosphates; D012989:Soil Pollutants; D008628:Mercury