Parameterization of Major Transport Processes of Mercury Species

Laboratory incubation experiments are in progress to study critical mercury (Hg) transport, transformation, and exchange processes (i.e., methylation/demethylation (M&D), and dissolution) to be used in the numerical flow, transport and chemical reaction model developed for the watersheds surrounding the Oak Ridge Reservation (ORR), TN. Laboratory experimental work provides insight on parameters relevant to ORR and which are required in the numerical model, such as dissolution rate of mercury and the proportion of mercury species available for methylation/demethylation in sediments. In addition, experimental work will be conducted to analyze the effect of significant environmental factors (pH, Eh, sunlight) on the major transport and transformation processes of Hg.