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Factors influencing concentrations of atmospheric speciated mercury measured at the farthest island West of South Korea.

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Title: Factors influencing concentrations of atmospheric speciated mercury measured at the farthest island West of South Korea.
Authors: Lee, Su-Hyeon1 (AUTHOR), Lee, Jae-In1 (AUTHOR), Kim, Pyung-Rae1 (AUTHOR), Kim, Dae-Young1 (AUTHOR), Jeon, Ji-Won1 (AUTHOR), Han, Young-Ji1 (AUTHOR) youngji@kangwon.ac.kr
Source: Atmospheric Environment. Sep2019, Vol. 213, p239-249. 11p.
Subject Terms: *Atmospheric mercury, *Mercury (Element), *Coal-fired power plants, *Air masses, *Biomass burning, Boundary layer (Aerodynamics)
Geographic Terms: North Korea, East Asia, South Korea
Abstract: East Asia is the largest emitter of mercury (Hg) in the world, but only a few studies of speciated Hg have been carried out in South Korea. In this study, total gaseous mercury (TGM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particulate bound mercury (PBM) were measured at one of the most northwestern islands of South Korea. Concentrations of TGM and GOM were similar to those measured in other regions of Korea; however, PBM was found in much higher concentrations during cold months, most likely from coal and biomass burning in North Korea. Sources outside Korea significantly affected TGM and PBM, and GOM increased as air masses transported from domestic coal-burning power plants. During the warm months, GOM increased as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) decreased when air masses were confined within the ocean area with minimal influence from anthropogenic emissions. This implies that there is an efficient process for the oxidation of GEM and GOM production in the marine boundary layer. The concentrations of ozone also decreased as an increase in GOM was observed, suggesting that halogens are primarily responsible for GEM oxidation. • East Asia has the largest emissions of Hg in the world. • Speciated Hg concentrations were measured in the most northwestern island of Korea. • GOM increased during summer when air masses were confined within the ocean area. • A concurrent decrease in ozone was observed as GOM increased. • TGM and PBM were enhanced with the possible source areas of Northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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Abstract:East Asia is the largest emitter of mercury (Hg) in the world, but only a few studies of speciated Hg have been carried out in South Korea. In this study, total gaseous mercury (TGM), gaseous oxidized mercury (GOM), and particulate bound mercury (PBM) were measured at one of the most northwestern islands of South Korea. Concentrations of TGM and GOM were similar to those measured in other regions of Korea; however, PBM was found in much higher concentrations during cold months, most likely from coal and biomass burning in North Korea. Sources outside Korea significantly affected TGM and PBM, and GOM increased as air masses transported from domestic coal-burning power plants. During the warm months, GOM increased as gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) decreased when air masses were confined within the ocean area with minimal influence from anthropogenic emissions. This implies that there is an efficient process for the oxidation of GEM and GOM production in the marine boundary layer. The concentrations of ozone also decreased as an increase in GOM was observed, suggesting that halogens are primarily responsible for GEM oxidation. • East Asia has the largest emissions of Hg in the world. • Speciated Hg concentrations were measured in the most northwestern island of Korea. • GOM increased during summer when air masses were confined within the ocean area. • A concurrent decrease in ozone was observed as GOM increased. • TGM and PBM were enhanced with the possible source areas of Northeastern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
ISSN:13522310
DOI:10.1016/j.atmosenv.2019.05.063