Ecosystem Transformation (), 62-78

Migration, transformation and bioaccumulation of mercury in technogenically transformed soils, Svirsk city, Irkutsk Region

Baenguev B.A. , Belogolova G.A., Pastukhov M.V., Dolgikh P.G., Prosekin S.N.

This study focuses on distribution, bioaccumulation and speciation of mercury in technogenically transformed soils on the area of the former Angarsk Metallurgical Plant (АМP) located in Svirsk town, Irkutsk Region, Russia. The study was conducted in 2019–2020, 5 years later after the soil reclamation. The maximum Hg concentrations (up to 15.7 mg/kg), which significantly exceed maximum permissible concentrations, MPC (2.1 mg/kg) and regional background levels (0.020 mg/kg) are found in the soils around the waste dumps. Amongst the Hg fractions, mercury mainly occurs in organic and strongly-bound fractions, characterized by lower mobility. The study of the “soil-plant” system exemplified by the couch grass (Elytrigia repens L.) shows that Hg is mainly accumulated in roots, therefore the translocation of this element in plants is limited. Despite the performed soil reclamation, a residual mercury contamination is still observed in the upper soil horizons. The predominance of stable Hg fractions indicates a low risk for Hg remobilization under current environmental conditions, though continuous monitoring of Technosols is required for assessing a long-term ecological stability.

B. A. Baenguev
A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Favorsky St. 1A, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia

baenguev@igc.irk.ru

G. A. Belogolova
A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Favorsky St. 1A, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia


M. V. Pastukhov
A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Favorsky St. 1A, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia


P. G. Dolgikh
A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Favorsky St. 1A, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia


S. N. Prosekin
A.P. Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Favorsky St. 1A, Irkutsk, 664033 Russia

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