Occurrence and Mobility of Mercury in Groundwater

Figure 2. 
Mobilization of mercury from land surface to groundwater and biogeochemical transformations along flow
paths in an unconsolidated sandy, acidic aquifer.
Occurrence and Mobility of Mercury in Groundwater
http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55487
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Studies in New Jersey and Cape Cod, USA, have investigated processes leading to Hg mobility
in groundwater in settings that involve inputs from sewage to the subsurface. Given that
sewage effluent contains materials that can fundamentally alter biogeochemical environments,
mobilization of metals such as Hg, whatever their origin, may be an ever increasing process
as humans continue to develop their surroundings. It is hoped that the research, past and
ongoing, that is discussed herein will be of use to readers who seek to understand, to prevent,
or to mitigate Hg contamination of groundwater supplies.
(Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply
endorsement by the U.S. Government.)
Author details
Julia L. Barringer, Zoltan Szabo and Pamela A. Reilly
U.S. Geological Survey, USA
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