References

ACPD

Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions

ACPD

1680-7375

Copernicus GmbH

Göttingen, Germany

10.5194/acpd-8-17763-2008

Gaseous elemental and reactive mercury in southern New Hampshire

Sigler

J. M.

¹ Mao

¹ Talbot

Institute for the Study of Earth, Oceans and Space Climate Change Research Center, University of New Hampshire, Durham, NH, USA

30 09 2008

8 5 17763 17802

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We conducted measurements of Hg° and RGM at two inland sites, Thompson Farm (TF) and Pac Monadnock (PM), and a marine site (Appledore Island – AI) from the UNH AIRMAP observing network in New Hampshire in 2007. Measurements of other important trace gases and meteorological variables were used to help understand influences on the atmospheric Hg budget in New England. Seasonal variation in both species observed at TF and PM is attributable to such factors as seasonal variation in deposition strength, meteorological conditions and biogenic emissions. Hg° and RGM varied diurnally at TF, particularly in spring, following the trend in air temperature and jNO2 and suggesting photochemical production of RGM. The diurnal patterns of Hg° and RGM at AI during summer were nearly opposite in phase, with Hg° decreasing through late afternoon, suggesting more significant photochemical oxidation of Hg° to RGM in the marine environment, likely due to the presence of marine halogen compounds. A strong relationship of RGM with SO2 at TF suggests a strong contribution of RGM from anthropogenic sources. Significant levels of halogen compounds measured at TF in previous studies, as well as similar Hg° levels and Hg°-CO ratios at TF and AI may suggest that similar air masses are prevalent at these sites.

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