Distribution,fractionation and risk assessment of mercury in surficial sediments of Nansi Lake,China

Nansi Lake is composed of four sub-lakes from north to south: Nanyang Lake, Dushan Lake, Zhaoyang Lake and Weishan Lake. An environmental pollution investigation was carried out to determine the fractionation, and pollution assessments of mercury (Hg) in surficial sediments from Nansi Lake. Results showed that the mean concentration of Hg was 3.1 times higher than its background value (0.015 mg kg^?1), and the high concentration of Hg which even reached up to five times than the background value in the part of Dushan Lake and Weishan Lake, which indicated that there are obvious spatial differences. The content of Hg was positively correlated with that of total organic carbon, and negatively correlated with that of pH and SiO₂ in surface sediments. An improved Tessier sequential extraction procedure was used to study the fractions of Hg in sediments. The results indicated that Hg existed primarily in the fraction of residual, which accounts for 58.4% of total mercury (THg), and the percentage of extractable Hg was only 1.93% of total mercury. High concentrations of mercury of non-residual phase were found in part lake area from the Nanyang Lake and the Weishan Lake, which indicating a higher potential ecological risk relative to the other lake areas. Based on the values of enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index, most part of Dushan Lake and Nanyang Lake and Weishan Lake were in a moderate pollution. And based on the fractionation of mercury, risk assessment code of Hg exhibited low risks to the environment in Nansi Lake.     

太湖胥口湾表层水和沉积物中多环芳烃的浓度水平及生态风险

多环芳烃(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs)是环境中普遍存在的稠环类化合物,由于其对人体健康和生态环境产生较大危害,美国环保局将16种PAHs列为优先控制的污染物。PAHs也是太湖流域的主要污染物之一。作为华东地区的重要水系和水源地,研究太湖环境质量的变化对改善太湖流域水生生态系统和提高沿岸居民身体健康具有重要意义。论文研究了太湖胥口湾水域表层水和沉积物的PAHs。结果显示,表层水和沉积物的PAHs总浓度分别为7.2~83 ng·L~(-1)和66~620ng·g~(-1)干重;年均值为29 ng·L~(-1)和218 ng·g~(-1)干重;年均毒性当量浓度为2.4 ng·L~(-1)和28 ng·g~(-1)干重。沉积物中的主要污染物为荧蒽、芘和,影响毒性当量浓度的主要是苯并(a)芘和二苯并(a,h)蒽。4环PAHs在沉积物中占主要,其浓度百分比为44%~48%,而5环PAHs则占毒性当量总浓度的90%以上,说明其危害主要来自5环PAHs。PAHs特征化合物比值分析表明,胥口湾沉积物中PAHs主要来源于煤和木材燃烧,表层水大部分为燃烧和石油的混合来源。污染水平的时空变化特点为丰水期(8月)表层水PAHs浓度偏高,沉积物偏低。湖区和湖岸的PAHs浓度只在丰水期有显著差异,表层水PAHs浓度湖区高于湖岸,沉积物相反;其他时期湖区和湖岸PAHs浓度无显著差异。根据加拿大沉积物环境质量标准,胥口湾整体生态风险水平较低。从时空分布特征来看,个别生态风险较高的点主要分布在湖岸,5月平水期可能是沉积物中PAHs生态风险较高的频发期。     

Mercury fractionation in the sediments of Vembanad wetland, west coast of India

Transformations among different mercury species associated with sediments can have a major effect on the metal's mobility and potential for methylation and hence bioaccumulation. In the present study, various fractions of mercury in the sediments of Vembanad wetland system analysed. Total mercury (THg) concentration in the surface sediment varied from 16.3 to 4,230?ng/g. The results of sequential extraction showed that the major portion of mercury in these sediments existed as elemental form followed by organo-chelated form. The least portion observed was the residual fraction (mercury of natural origin). Even though the percentage of mercury observed in the easily available fractions is relatively small, absolute values of these mobile Hg fractions are quite high due to the very high total mercury values. The fractionation of mercury in the sediment was controlled by the organic matter, sulphur complexes and concentration of THg. The results showed that the bioavailability of mercury is high as the amount of mercury found in the initial three fractions is high, which can also enhance the methylation potential of the Vembanad wetland sediments. The fractionation pattern of mercury also revealed the presence of anthropogenic mercury content in the Vembanad wetland sediments.     

Phosphorus speciation and effects of environmental factors on release of phosphorus from sediments obtained from Taihu Lake,Tien Lake,and East Lake

Phosphorus is considered the primary nutrient limiting eutrophication. The release of phosphorus from sediments not only provides hydrophytes with essential nutrients, but can also produce entrophication in lakes. In this study, the sediment characteristics, phosphorus speciation, and environmental factors affecting phosphorus release from sediments from Taihu Lake, Tien Lake, and East Lake were investigated. The results indicated that phosphorus levels of sediments ranged from 647 ± 67 to 2343 ± 122 mg/kg. Inorganic phosphorus comprised the majority of total phosphorus. The main phosphorus speciation of sediments obtained from Taihu Lake and Tien Lake was Residual-P, and the main phosphorus speciation of sediment obtained from East Lake was NaOH-P. Phosphorus release occurred in acidic and alkaline conditions but more frequently under alkaline conditions. The amount of phosphorus released from the sediments increased as the disturbing intensity rose. In addition, less phosphorus was released in natural than anaerobic conditions. The amount of phosphorus released was elevated as temperature increased.     

太湖入湖河流中精神活性物质污染特征与生态风险

精神活性物质是一类摄入人体后对中枢神经系统具有强烈兴奋或抑制作用的新型污染物,其在水环境中的存在可能对水生生物、水生态系统甚至人体健康产生潜在的危害。为评价太湖中精神活性物质的污染水平和生态风险,利用超高效液相色谱-质谱联用法检测了太湖19条入湖河流中13种典型精神活性物质的质量浓度和空间分布规律。结果表明,在太湖19条入湖河流中除苯甲酰牙子碱(BE)和去甲氯胺酮(NK)外,其余11种目标物均有检出,质量浓度范围为n.d.～43.2 ng·L~(-1)。其中麻黄碱(EPH)的检出率和中间浓度最高,分别为100%和11.0 ng·L~(-1);其次为甲基苯丙胺(METH),检出频率为58%,浓度中值为1.0 ng·L~(-1);苯丙胺(AMP)在东部湖区均未检出。大部分精神活性物质浓度水平较高的河流分布在竺山湾和西太湖,而海洛因(HR)的高值区主要在南太湖。运用风险熵方法对其进行风险评估,结果显示,太湖流域地表水中检出的13种精神活性物质的风险熵值均<0.1,生态风险较低,但其对水生生态系统的长期和综合风险值得关注。     

Organophosphate esters in sediment from Taihu Lake,China: Bridging the gap between riverine sources and lake sinks

• Eleven OPEs were detected in river sediment and lake sediment in Taihu Lake. • TnBP dominated in river sediment, while TBEP dominated in lake sediment. • A strong correlation existed between logK_oc and logK_ow of OPEs. • Vertical profiles of OPEs in sediment cores varied according to sampling location. Surface sediment samples from Taihu Lake in China and its inflow rivers, along with two lake sediment core samples, were collected and analyzed for organophosphate esters (OPEs). The concentrations of total OPEs varied from 28.60 ng/g to 158.72 ng/g (median: 54.25 ng/g) in river surface sediment and from 62.57 ng/g to 326.84 ng/g (median: 86.37 ng/g) in lake sediment. Tributyl phosphate (TnBP) was the predominant compound in river surface sediment, and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate was predominant in lake sediment. High contamination occurred in the north-west region, which was related to the high level of urbanization and high usage of OPEs. The sediment–water partition coefficients of OPEs (logK_oc) were calculated, showing a significant correlation with logK_ow (p<0.05). The concentration and composition of OPEs in two sediment cores varied due to the different sampling locations, with more OPE species found in the northern region than in the southern one. Principal component analysis and positive matrix factorization indicated that sewage discharges, vehicle emissions, and atmospheric deposition were the possible sources of OPEs in Taihu Lake sediments. Tris(1-chloro-2-propyl) phosphate, tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate, and TnBP were the main OPEs causing ecological risks.     

不同生态类型富营养化湖泊沉积物中有机质赋存形态

以藻型湖泊(太湖)、草藻型湖泊(南四湖)、草型湖泊(白洋淀)湖泊沉积物为研究对象,采集了11个表层沉积物样品,测定沉积物中总氮(TN)和总磷(TP)含量并利用物理分组方法,研究了3种不同生态型湖及同一湖泊不同区域沉积物中总有机质(OM)、轻组有机质(LFOM)和重组有机质(HFOM)的赋存特征.结果表明,南四湖沉积物中总氮、总磷和总有机质含量显著高于太湖和白洋淀;尽管太湖、南四湖和白洋淀沉积物中总有机质含量较高,但是轻组有机质(LFOM)含量较低,分别占总有机质的0.95%—1.08%、0.21%—1.37%和1.4%—1.78%;重组有机质(HFOM)含量较高,分别占总有机质的83.83%—87.4%、94%—98.98%和88.2%—98.3%,表明3种不同生态型湖泊沉积物中所含有机质绝大部分为难分解的重组有机质,轻组有机质基本矿化分解.相关性分析表明,轻组有机质(LFOM)、重组有机质(HFOM)与总有机质(OM)之间均呈现显著正相关关系.     

莱州湾表层沉积物中重金属时空分布、污染来源及风险评价

运用污染风险评价标准和方法研究了2010年5月(春)、8月(夏)、10月(秋)和12月(冬)莱州湾表层沉积物中7种重金属污染物的时空分布特征、来源及生态风险。结果表明,表层沉积物中Cr、Zn和Pb含量均呈现春季低于其他季节特征,秋季Hg含量是其他季节的4倍,Cu、As和Pb含量无显著季节差异。表层沉积物中Cr、Cu、Zn、As和Cd最高值出现在莱州湾中部及小清河河口等西部水域,来源呈现受自然作用影响较大的特征;而Hg和Pb最高值出现在龙口和界河河口等东部水域,来源呈现受周边工业污染物的人为排放影响较大的特征。基于地理累积指数、生态效应浓度以及Hakanson潜在生态风险指数的综合评价表明,13%~29%的研究区域的表层沉积物受到轻微程度的Cd、Hg和Pb污染,Cd和Hg高值水域达到中等生态风险程度;Hg和As在65%~68%的研究区域的表层沉积物中达到可能对沉积物底质环境及生物群落产生不利生态影响水平。基于对重金属污染物的评价结果,莱州湾表层沉积物质量较好,局部区域存在Hg、Pb、Cd和As的潜在污染风险。     

中国三个不同富营养化湖泊沉积物中Cu、Zn赋存特征及其与营养盐的相关性分析

对太湖、南四湖、白洋淀三个不同富营养化湖泊沉积物进行采样,采用Tessier连续提取法,测定了3个湖泊表层沉积物中Cu、Zn两种重金属的赋存形态,并初步探讨了重金属各形态与沉积物及上覆水中营养盐的相关关系。结果表明,沉积物中重金属总量以白洋淀最高,太湖最低,但重金属污染程度为太湖＆gt;南四湖＆gt;白洋淀,太湖Cu污染指数为1.34~1.6,白洋淀Cu污染指数仅为0.79~1.17。沉积物中重金属赋存形态Cu主要以残渣态和有机质结合态为主（二者之和占73%以上）, Zn则以残渣态和Fe-Mn氧化态占优（二者之和比例达83%以上）,含量最少的均为可交换态。不同湖泊沉积物重金属赋存形态差异较大,太湖残渣态重金属占总量的比例最小（Cu为43%~56%,Zn为49%~63%）,南四湖残渣态占的比例最大（Cu为59%~82%、Zn为64%~77%）;可交换态比重在太湖中最高（Cu占3.2%~5.6%,Zn为1.3%~1.5%）,在南四湖中最低（Cu为1.1%~2.9%,Zn未检出）。从“非稳定态”重金属（除残渣态外的四种形态之和）所占比例看,相较其它两个湖泊,太湖沉积物中重金属污染人为输入的活性态占较大比重,具有较高的二次释放风险。相关性分析得出,重金属Cu的可交换态与上覆水中总氮及总磷之间存在着极显著的正相关关系,碳酸盐结合态Cu与沉积物中营养盐呈现出显著的负相关性,说明水体的富营养化程度加剧可能会增强沉积物中Cu向水体释放的风险。     

Polychlorinated biphenyls,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in sediments from the Odra River and its tributaries,Poland

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) were measured in sediments collected during June–August 1998 along the Odra River and its tributaries (Warta, Obrzyca, Barycz, Kaczawa and Bóbr Rivers) in Poland. In addition, raw and treated sewage sludge collected from Gdańsk, Poland, were analyzed for the target compounds. Concentrations of PCBs in sediments varied widely, ranging from 2.7 to 412?ng/g, on a dry weight basis (dry wt). PAHs were the predominant compounds in sediments with concentrations ranging from 150 to 19?000?ng/g, dry wt. The distribution of concentrations of PAHs was more homogenous than that of PCBs. NP concentrations in sediments ranged from <1 to 762?ng/g, while that of OP from <1 to 9.8?ng/g, dry wt. Measured concentrations of target analytes in sediments of the Odra River and its tributaries were comparable to or greater than those reported for riverine sediments in other eastern European countries. Concentrations of total PCBs, PAHs and NP in raw and treated sewage sludge collected from a sewage treatment plant in Gdańsk, Poland, were in the ranges of 203–284, 11?720–13?880 and 6760–99?600?ng/g, dry wt, respectively. Primary treatment of sewage did not appear to reduce PCB or PAH concentrations, although NP and OP concentrations were much less in treated sludge than in raw sludge. This is one of a few studies that document concentrations of PCBs, PAHs and NP in sediments of the Odra River and its tributaries in Poland.     

应用物种敏感性分布法分析太湖及天目湖水体的生态风险

采用物种敏感性分布法(SSDs法),应用水生生物急性和慢性毒性数据计算了31种污染物在水中和其中疏水物质在沉积物中的预测无效应浓度(PNECwater和PNECsed),通过收集以往报道的16种污染物在太湖和天目湖的环境浓度,用商值法求得物质的风险商并进行排序.结果发现:蒽、菲、萘、荧蒽、阿特拉津和马拉硫磷在太湖的梅梁湾和五里湖具有很大的生态风险;毒死蜱、三丁基锡氧化物和环己锡虽无环境浓度报道但很有可能具有风险.     

Assessment on contaminations in sediments of an intake and the inflow canals in Taihu Lake,China

As the second largest freshwater lake in China, Taihu Lake provides water supply to approximately 32 million inhabitants around the lake. However, dramatically increased pollution has threatened the safety of drinking water supply in recent years. In the present study, we investigated the contaminations of nutrients and heavy metals in the sediments of an intake and inflow canals in Gonghu Bay, Taihu Lake. Moreover, we also examined the impact of human activities on spatial distribution characteristics of contaminations. Our results showed that the intake presented relatively lower concentrations of phosphorus and nitrogen compared with inflow canals. However, the concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb in the sediments of the intake exceeded the lowest effect level (LEL) values, indicating a potential risk to drinking water resource. In addition, the concentrations of Ni in the sediments of Tianji Canal and Jinshu Canal exceeded the severe effect level (SEL) value. More importantly, the concentrations of Cu in the sediments of Tianji Canal exceeded three times of the SEL value. Multivariate statistical analysis confirmed that the domestic sewage primarily contributed to the nutrient accumulation, and the leakage of electronic trash dominated the enrichment of metals in the sediments. Taken together, more effort should be made to ensure the security of water resources in Taihu Lake, especially for the treatment of domestic sewage and industrial wastewater.     

北部湾潮间带沉积物中重金属和多氯联苯的分布特征及生态风险评价

选择北部湾9个典型采样点,研究了潮间带沉积物中重金属和多氯联苯(PCBs)的分布特征和生态风险.分析结果表明,Hg、As、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr等重金属和总PCBs的平均含量分别为0.100、10.00、19.89、45.97、208.65、0.098、17.86 mg.kg-1和1.48!g.kg-1.重金属和PCBs表现出不同的空间变化规律.相关性分析表明,北部湾潮间带的重金属主要来自人为污染;沉积物的粒度参数和有机质含量等性质特征是影响PCBs分布和迁移的重要因素;重金属和PCBs总量之间不存在明显的相关性.生态风险评价结果表明,PCBs和Cd是北部湾潮间带最主要的生态风险因子,Zn和PCBs是优势污染物;研究区域总体处于中等生态风险等级,表明沿岸港口和临海工业等人为活动已经对北部湾滨海地区造成了一定的环境压力.     

Geochemical baselines of heavy metals in the sediments of two large freshwater lakes in China: implications for contamination character and history

The aim of this study was to estimate the geochemical baseline concentrations of various heavy metals in the surface sediments of two large freshwater lakes in Taihu and Dianchi, China, and to assess the character and history of heavy metal contamination around the two lakes. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediments were obtained by field surveys and were supplemented with published data. The statistical methods of cumulative frequency and normalization were employed to obtain the baselines. The respective baseline concentrations for As, Sb, Hg, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were 9.92, 1.67, 0.14, 22.62, 100.56, 31.63, 31.97, 33.05 and 97.01?mg/kg, respectively, in Taihu, and 24.60, 4.29, 0.25, 36.78, 135.68, 90.05, 50.76, 73.56 and 208.76?mg/kg, respectively, in Dianchi. The baseline concentrations of these heavy metals in Lake Taihu were equivalent to the pre-industrial concentrations determined from lakes in Sweden and Europe. Conversely, those in Lake Dianchi were much higher than the pre-industrial values. Li, Fe, Sc, Ti, V and Al were found to be the suitable reference elements for normalization, and one of these elements could be used to predict the baseline concentrations of heavy metals except Hg. Most of the heavy metals had one inflexion, and only Cu and Pb in Taihu, Sb, Pb and Zn in Dianchi, were found to have two inflexions in the cumulative curves, suggesting remarkable anthropogenic inputs of Cu and Pb in Taihu, Sb, Pb and Zn in Dianchi, which are generally consistent with the respective industrial structure around Taihu and Dianchi.     

Fractionation of heavy metals in surface sediments of Taihu Lake, East China

The BCR (European Communities Bureau of Reference) three-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to fractionate heavy metals in the sediment of Taihu Lake. For the determination of total metal concentration of the sediments, sample digestion was achieved by using HF/H2O2/HNO3 (2/1/1) acid mixture in a microwave-irradiated closed vessel system. The concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb in various extracts solutions were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results obtained from the BCR three-step sequential extraction indicated relatively high mobility of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni in the sediments while Cd and Cr were poorly mobile. Enrichment of heavy metals was found in the sediments collected in the northern parts of Taihu Lake. In the sediments collected in the southern and western sides of the Lake, heavy metal concentrations were relatively low. The relationship between total organic carbon (TOC) and heavy metals concentrations in the sediments is discussed.     

太湖北部表层沉积物重金属污染及其生物毒性研究

在分析太湖北部梅梁湾、竺山湾和贡湖表层沉积物和野生铜锈环棱螺体内重金属残留水平基础上,利用潜在生态危害指数法评价了区域重金属污染的潜在生态风险,并利用综合污染指数法评价了野生铜锈环棱螺受重金属污染的状况。研究结果表明,3个区域表层沉积物孔隙水的生物综合毒性处于低毒到中毒水平,而表层沉积物重金属污染均处于较低的生态风险,但3个区域的野生铜锈环棱螺体内重金属的综合污染指数处于中度到重度的污染水平。由此可以得出太湖北部沉积物重金属污染对底栖生物仍具有一定的潜在生态风险。     

Mercury distribution in the sediments of Ambarlı Port Area,Sea of Marmara (Turkey)

The purpose of this study is to investigate historical and current mercury (Hg) contamination in the surface and core sediments of the Ambarl? Port area. Textural parameters, total organic carbon (TOC), ²¹⁰Pb and total Hg (THg) contents were measured. Mercury contamination of the sediments was assessed on the basis of the enrichment factor (EF), anthropogenic factor (AF), index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) and corresponding sediment quality guidelines. Most surface sediment samples were also non-toxic with mercury concentrations below the effects range-low (ERL) value, but mercury levels at five stations were between ERL and effects range-median (ERM) values, where occasional adverse effects concerning risk analysis are expected. The EF and Igeo analysis showed that there was no significant mercury enrichment and contamination in the core sediment before the 1650s, but values increased from then onwards to 2009 (being especially accelerated in line with port activities from 1989), disclosing a serious ecotoxicological risk to sediment-inhabited marine organisms.     

Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Taihu Lake, East China

The BCR (European Communities Bureau of Reference) three-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to fractionate heavy metals in the sediment of Taihu Lake. For the determination of total metal concentration of the sediments, sample digestion was achieved by using HF/H₂O₂/HNO₃(2/1/1) acid mixture in a microwave-irradiated closed vessel system. The concentrations of Cd, Ni, Cr, Zn, Cu and Pb in various extracts solutions were analyzed by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The results obtained from the BCR three-step sequential extraction indicated relatively high mobility of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni in the sediments while Cd and Cr were poorly mobile. Enrichment of heavy metals was found in the sediments collected in the northern parts of Taihu Lake. In the sediments collected in the southern and western sides of the Lake, heavy metal concentrations were relatively low. The relationship between total organic carbon (TOC) and heavy metals concentrations in the sediments is discussed.     

湛江红树林湿地沉积物中多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的污染特征与生态风险评价

近年来,红树林有机污染物(POPs)污染逐渐加重,其生态环境保护压力日趋加大。湛江红树林保护区是中国面积最大的红树林自然保护区,对生态系统稳定具有重要作用,准确评估湛江红树林湿地多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的污染现状及潜在生态风险,对了解湛江红树林有机污染物的污染状况、红树林的生态环境保护等具有重要意义。采用索氏抽提法和气相色谱-质谱法测定了湛江红树林湿地12个采样位点沉积物中的PBDEs质量分数,分析了多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的污染水平、空间分布特征及其潜在风险。结果表明,湛江红树林表层沉积物中共检测到14种PBDEs,BDE-209质量分数占比最高,为53.58%—77.66%。12个采样点的∑PBDEs质量分数均值为23.30 ng·g^?1。按地理位置划分为6个研究区域,各研究区域的∑PBDEs质量分数均值变化为:湛江市区(33.06 ng·g^?1)>廉江西(29.68 ng·g^?1)>徐闻(19.29 ng·g^?1)>雷州东(16.47 ng·g^?1)>遂溪(15.72 ng·g^?1)>雷州西(11.92 ng·g^?1);BDE-209、∑13PBDEs(除BDE-209外)质量分数的分布规律与∑PBDEs质量分数的变化趋势一致。与国内外其他红树林湿地沉积物相比,湛江红树林沉积物中∑PBDEs质量分数处于中等水平。湛江红树林沉积物中的PBDEs污染主要源自商业五溴、八溴及十溴联苯醚产品的使用,高溴联苯醚的降解也是其来源之一。环境中的降雨量、TOC、pH值等对沉积物中PBDEs的影响不大。风险熵数法的生态风险评价结果表明,湛江红树林沉积物中PBDEs的综合生态风险水平较高,尤其是penta-BDEs和deca-BDEs处于高风险水平,应引起关注。     

Seasonal distribution and speciation of mercury in a gold mining area,north-west province,South Africa

The seasonal speciation of mercury (Hg) was determined in water, soil, and sediments from watersheds located in the North-West province of South Africa. The study area is known to have a long history of mining activities which also include the recovery of gold from old tailings. Both inorganic (IHg) and methyl mercury (MHg) were detected at high concentrations (up to 8480 μg IHg kg^?1 and 13 μg MHg kg^?1) in surface sediments during dry season. A considerable remobilization of Hg from bottom sediments was observed in water from dry to wet season as well as the migration of Hg away from pollution sources due to seasonal influences. Hg in sediments mostly has been speciated as Hg⁰. Enhancement of Hg methylation occurred mainly in deeper sediments at regions corresponding to the lowest redox potential, higher pH, and enrichment of IHg. Hg values in borehole waters were very high (up to 3310 ng L^?1) suggesting a serious contamination of the site groundwater which needs to be addressed urgently in order to minimize further impact that affects the Vaal River and other water systems located nearby.