Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

An Updated Review Of Atmospheric Mercury, Seth N. Lyman, Irene Cheng, Lynne E. Gratz, Peter Weiss-Penzias, Leiming Zhang

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Publications

The atmosphere is a key component of the biogeochemical cycle of mercury, acting as a reservoir, transport mechanism, and facilitator of chemical reactions. The chemical and physical behavior of atmospheric mercury determines how, when, and where emitted mercury pollution impacts ecosystems. In this review, we provide current information about what is known and what remains uncertain regarding mercury in the atmosphere. We discuss new ambient, laboratory, and theoretical information about the chemistry of mercury in various atmospheric media. We review what is known about mercury in and on solid- and liquid-phase aerosols. We present recent findings related to wet and …