Comparison of mercury in atmospheric deposition and in Illinois and USA soils

Abstract

It has been reported that most mercury (Hg) in USA soils is from atmospheric Hg deposition, mostly from anthropogenic sources. This paper compares the rates of atmospheric Hg deposition to amounts of Hg in Illinois and USA soils. The amounts of Hg in these soils are too great to be attributed mainly to anthropogenic atmospheric Hg deposition. Keywords: mercury, atmospheric deposition, soil, geology, Illinois, USA