Concentration of atmospheric mercury: 2011 Southern Ocean

Measuring atmospheric Hg in the marine boundary layer was monitored from November 21 to December 15 by the Hg GEM analyzer along the cruise track of R/V Araon from King Sejong Station to Christchurch carrying out a series expeditions in the Southern Ocean. Mercury (Hg) is a toxic pollutant. Its bioaccumulation causes serious health problem. In the atmosphere, mercury typically exists in gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous species (RGM) and particulate bounded mercury (PBM). Since more than 95% of mercury exists in GEM, significant amount of Hg is transported long-range. In spite of the importance of mercury in the atmosphere, the role of ocean in the global budget of Hg has not been clearly studied yet and its measurement over the marine boundary layer will enhance the OH-related chemistry.