Record Display for the EPA National Library Catalog

RECORD NUMBER: 34 OF 1198

Main Title Airborne Mercury in Precipitation in the Lake Superior Region.
Author Glass, G. E. ; Leonard, E. N. ; Chan, W. H. ; Orr, D. B. ;
CORP Author Environmental Research Lab.-Duluth, MN. ;Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Toronto.
Year Published 1986
Report Number EPA/600/J-86/067;
Stock Number PB86-208683
Additional Subjects Lake Superior ; Mercury(Metal) ; Precipitation ; Air pollution ; Reprints ;
Holdings
Library Call Number Additional Info Location Last
Modified
Checkout
Status
NTIS  PB86-208683 Some EPA libraries have a fiche copy filed under the call number shown. 07/26/2022
Collation 17p
Abstract
Mercury was measured in accumulated snow (March 1982) sampled from around Lake Superior and in rainfall from Duluth, Minnesota (June-September 1982 and March-November 1983), Forbes Township, and Dorset in northwestern and central Ontario, respectively (May-September 1983). Methods of melting snow and collecting rain samples were investigated to avoid loss of mercury during the melting process and sample shipment and storage. Low concentrations in snow and rain required greater analytical sensitivity. A detection limit of 0.008 plus or minus 0.004 micrograms/L of mercury (N = 26) was attained using the cold vapor technique; and by utilizing a gold gauze amalgam accessory for preconcentration, a detection limit of 0.005 plus or minus 0.003 microgram/L (N = 13) was attained. Regional comparisons of mercury accumulation in the snow pack across the northern parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ontario show highest values, 0.10 plus or minus 0.17 micrograms/L Hg, in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota, area and lowest values in remote areas of Minnesota and Ontario. Rainfall concentrations of total mercury were substantially higher than snow accumulation and were mainly of inorganic forms (73%).