Methyl Mercury and Heavy Metal Content in Soils of Rivers Saale and Elbe (Germany)

Abstract

The rivers Saale and Elbe, including their catchment areas (Germany), have been heavily polluted by ore mining and other anthropogenic emission sources during the last centuries. Heavy metal contamination along the Elbe River floodplains can vary depending on location. In this study data on methyl mercury, mercury, and other heavy metal contents in three soil profiles from a representative site under the influence of the rivers Elbe and Saale are presented. The relationship of metal distribution to chemical and physical characteristics in the soil profiles is outlined. Methyl and total mercury were detected in extremely high concentrations in the soil profiles. Results showed that Zn, Cu, and Pb were elevated, above the reported levels considered as excessive in soils. Concentrations of Ni, Cd, and Se were not elevated, while other elements (Al, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe) were at geological or background levels.

The research was supported by National Science Foundation (Grant # INT 9901301).

Keywords:

• Methyl mercury
• heavy metals
• sediment characteristics
• soil
• River Saale
• River Elbe

Notes

The research was supported by National Science Foundation (Grant # INT 9901301).