Distribution of gaseous and particle-bound Hg concentrations at the sites representative for urban and non-urban zones of Silesia Province

Abstract

The basic features of the distribution of total gaseous (TGM) and particle-bound mercury (PBM) concentrations were determined for a five locations representative for urban (Bielsko-Biała, Lubliniec, Zabrze) and rural areas (Godów, Złoty Potok) of Silesia Province. Gaseous mercury concentrations were measured (1) continuously - the automatic 1h TGM measurements in Zloty Potok and Zabrze and (2) non-continuously manual 24h TGM measurements with a pre-concentration of the Hg on gold traps (Bielsko-Biała, Lubliniec, Godów). The PBM concentrations were measured non-continuously by taking PM2.5 samples. The Hg content was determined by using a CVAAS method. The highest average concentration of TGM was recorded in Zabrze (2.8ng/m3), significantly lower (2.0ng/m3) in Bielsko-Biała and in the non-urban station in Godów, the lowest concentration (<2.0 ng/m3) was observed in Lubliniec and at the regional background station in Zloty Potok. The results obtained for TGM concentrations exceeded the European average level of 1.5 ng/m3 (AirBase, 2014). The highest average PBM concentration, associated with PM2.5, was obtained in Zabrze (70pg/m3), more than 20% lower results were obtained in Bielsko-Biała and Godów, finally, the lowest one (lower by about 40% in comparison with Zabrze) were obtained in Lubliniec and Złoty Potok. Moreover, an enrichment of Hg concentration in PM was observed with the increasing of the PM content, during the heating season.