Mercury Speciation in the Water Distribution System of Skiathos Island, Greece

Abstract

In recent years, mercury (Hg) concentration that exceeds the Maximum Contaminant Level Standard set by the World Health Organisation for drinking water has been detected in the groundwater of Skiathos Island in Greece. The island single source of urban water is groundwater; as a result, tap water has been characterised as unsafe for drinking and people rely on bottled water for their everyday needs. The origin and speciation of Hg in the aquifer is investigated with the use of the Pourbaix diagram, while the possible correlation with groundwater salinization due to seawater intrusion is examined.

Keywords

• Pourbaix diagram
• mercury speciation
• groundwater salinisation