Abstract
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 μg 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.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 305-308 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology |
Volume | 81 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Fertilizer production
- Mercury
- Soil contamination
- Sulfuric acid