Features of mercury migration in natural objects of technogenically polluted areas

Abstract

The article discusses own studies’ materials of anthropogenic mercury migration in the “soil− plant − surface water- water body bottom sediments” system on the example of technogenically mercury-polluted territory of the northern industrial zone of Pavlodar city in Kazakhstan. The mercury distribution processes in soil at a depth of up to two meters, in water and bottom sediments of the Irtysh River, as well as in “Pamyat’ Azieva” soft spring wheat variety grown on soils with maximum pollution level were studied. It was discovered that the mercury migration degree to groundwater and plant objects depends on the soil type: so, it is minimal in chernozem soil. It was revealed that the mercury amount in the soil is in a positive correlation with its mineralization degree, filtration level, as well as the presence of chloride ions. The article also discusses the research results on the complex and diverse influence of predominant ions in soil, as well as their combinations on the content and distribution of mercury.