Effect of Hg in Jiaozhou Bay Waters - The Vertical Variation of the Hg Content

Based on the investigation data of mercury (Hg) in both surface and bottom waters in Jiaozhou bay in 1979 to 1981, this paper tried to analysis the vertical variations of Hg contents, and to reveal the transfer processes of Hg in the bay. Results showed that, Hg pollution in the bay is mainly discharged from the major rivers, the seasonal variations of Hg content in surface waters showed a similar trend in different years, with an order of spring (or summer) > autumn. The Hg contents in bottom waters were mainly determined by the sedimentation of Hg from surface waters. There were major three transfer processes of Hg as, 1) Hg from various pollution sources was transported to streams by rainfall, 2) Hg in streamflows was discharged to surface waters of the bay, and 3) Hg in surface waters was sedimented to the bottom of the bay.