Spatial and temporal variation of mercury load in surface water and sediments around an integrated steel plant in India |
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Authors: | Anubhuti Koshle Yasmeen Pervez Shamsh Pervez |
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Institution: | (1) School of Studies in Chemistry, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, 492010, India;(2) Department of Engineering Chemistry, CSIT, Kolihapuri, Durg, 291010, India; |
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Abstract: | Coal burning in the steel industry is the chief source of mercury presence in surrounding environment. About 20 water-storage
ponds and three natural water streams are located in adjoining areas of an integrated steel plant in Bhilai, India. Hundreds
of hospital admissions with chronic ailments due to hazardous emissions from the steel industry are frequently reported. Many
of these ailments are related to reported mercury-poisoning diseases. Measurements of mercury levels in various environmental
matrices around this industrial area was started early in the 1990s. From 1990–1995, few environmental samples were analyzed
for mercury content but from 1995 onwards, comprehensive assessment of mercury load along with other toxic metals in various
environmental matrices were begun. This work synthesizes and compares data of mercury in the surface water from three major
field programs, in 1997, 2002, and 2006. The focus is on both spatial and temporal variation. In the present survey (2006),
mercury levels are significantly higher compared to subsequent surveys and have shown 10–18 times higher values compared to
2001 and 1997 surveys. The differences in Hg levels between downwind and other sites in three survey programs are found to
be in order: 1997 > 2001 > 2006. Regression between water and sediment mercury levels has shown variation in correlation values
and higher in winter season. |
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