Dissolved radon and gaseous mercury in the Mediterranean seawater

J Environ Radioact. 2008 Jul;99(7):1068-74. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvrad.2007.12.023. Epub 2008 Feb 13.

Abstract

Vertical profiles of radioactive radon gas ((222)Rn) and dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM) in seawater in the Mediterranean Basin have been measured. They were found in the range 1.7-19.3 Bq m(-3) and 22-200 ng m(-3), respectively, at the bottom and 2.0-20.0 Bq m(-3) and 6-80 ng m(-3), respectively, at the surface. Preliminary results indicate a positive correlation between concentrations of both gases at some locations, but not at others. Further analyses will be performed, after (226)Ra contents in sediment and water have been determined, taking into account environmental parameters such as air and water temperatures, barometric pressure and water flow, in order to better interpret these profiles.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Environmental Monitoring / methods*
  • Geography
  • Mediterranean Sea
  • Mercury / analysis*
  • Radon / analysis*
  • Seawater / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollution, Radioactive / analysis

Substances

  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Mercury
  • Radon