Mercury distribution and mobility at the abandoned Puhipuhi mercury mine, Northland, New Zealand

Gionfriddo, C.M., Ogorek, J.M., Butcher, M., Krabbenhoft, D.P. and Moreau, J.W. (2015) Mercury distribution and mobility at the abandoned Puhipuhi mercury mine, Northland, New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics, 58(1), pp. 78-87. (doi: 10.1080/00288306.2014.979840)

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Abstract

The United Nations 2013 Minamata Convention advocates for updated environmental assessments of potential point-source sites of mercury contamination, including historic closed or abandoned mines. The Puhipuhi mercury mine (Northland), a historic and abandoned mine site, is located near one of the headwaters of the Wairoa River. In this study, total mercury levels in soils and sediments (37.8–1748 µg g−1), total and methylated mercury in waters (69.6–240 ng L−1 and 0.637–1.95 ng L−1, respectively), and elemental mercury in air (0.06–0.5 ng m−3) were measured to assess the probability and form of mercury release from the site to the surrounding natural environment. Results showed that mercury concentrations at the site are elevated compared to regional backgrounds and further work is necessary to determine how mercury may be transported from the site.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Moreau, Dr John
Authors: Gionfriddo, C.M., Ogorek, J.M., Butcher, M., Krabbenhoft, D.P., and Moreau, J.W.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Earth Sciences
Journal Name:New Zealand Journal of Geology and Geophysics
Publisher:Taylor and Francis
ISSN:0028-8306
ISSN (Online):1175-8791
Published Online:27 January 2015

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