The role of bamboo forest in soil Hg accumulation and emissions was evaluated by analyzing Hg concentration in soil and plant samples as well as Hg flux between soil and air. THg concentrations in soil samples ranged widely from 28.5 to 860 ng g-1 with a mean value of 153 ± 17.3 ng g-1. Methylmercury concentrations in soil samples from forest soil (FS, 0.94 ± 0.20 ng g-1) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than from bare soil (BS, 0.54 ± 0.07 ng g-1). The mean foliar THg concentration (178 ± 16.8 ng g-1) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in branches (63.1 ± 7.27 ng g-1) and roots (73.1 ± 16.9 ng g-1), indicating that the major source of Hg in bamboo might be from air deposition. Hg flux from FS (25.6 ng m-2 h-1) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that from BS (32.2 ng m-2 h-1). The annual decline in Hg emissions due to the presence of the bamboo forest may reach 6.94 kg.
Keywords: Bamboo forest; Plant Hg; Soil Hg flux; Soil methylmercury; Soil total Hg.