A technology has been developed that can accurately determine the source of mercury in the atmosphere.
On Tuesday, UNIST announced that a research team led by Seong Deuk Choi from the Department of Civil Urban Earth and Environmental Engineering has created an assessment technology that can accurately determine the source and spatial-seasonal distribution of mercury in the atmosphere.
The research team’s assessment technology is based on high-resolution atmospheric monitoring and mercury isotope analysis.
According to Choi’s research team, mercury exists in various isotopic forms. The source of mercury can be determined by analyzing the ratios of these isotopes.
The team applied this assessment method to analyze the atmosphere in the Ulsan region, collecting and examining samples from 30 different locations over a year.
Their findings unveiled significant seasonal and regional fluctuations in mercury concentrations across Ulsan.
The average concentration was highest in summer, at 9.3 ng/m³, and lowest in fall, at 4.4 ng/m³.
The highest concentration in the non-errous metal industrial complex was 21.9 ng/m³, indicating that the non-ferrous metal industry primarily contributes to mercury emissions.
The research revealed that seasonal wind patterns are crucial in mercury dispersion.
During the summer and spring, southeastern winds prevail and spread mercury from coastal industrial zones inland. Conversely, northwesterly winds push atmospheric mercury towards the East Sea in fall and winter, leading to lower concentrations.
Notably, the research showed that in summer, 73% of mercury concentrations were caused by human-induced emissions, mainly from industries like non-ferrous metal production.
The research team is conducting extended analyses in other regions with industrial complexes. They believe this assessment method will prove invaluable in accurately determining the contribution of mercury from neighboring countries.
Excessive mercury exposure can lead to severe health issues, including brain and kidney damage, respiratory diseases, gastrointestinal problems, elevated blood pressure, and skin rashes. In the long term, it can lead to mercury poisoning or Minamata disease.