engleski

Mercury in Hares

This study, as part of a comprehensive monitoring of the eco-system, was aimed at establishing a relationship between mercury concentration in ambient air and tissues of wild animals in the vicinity of the natural gas processing plant - GTP Molve, Croatia. The study indicates the presence of low ambient air mercury concentrations, being far below the maximum allowable values. During the last measurement period 1999-2001., mercury was detected at levels (4-9 ng/m3) well below worker exposure standards (50 μ g/m3) and a typical ambient air quality toxic standard (10 ng/m3- suggested value for ambient air in Croatia). The range of the median mercury concentration values in hares organs obtained on for occasions in the period 1990-2001 were 0.001-0.0025, 0.001-0.003, 0.007-0.027 and 0.041-0.062 μ g/g in muscle, brain, liver and kidney tissue, respectively. The results of mercury measurements in ambient air and in hare’ s tissues during last decade demonstrate small but constant decline in concentration values. Nevertheless, further eco-monitoring and mercury measurements are important and needed.

natural gas; mercury; environmental monitoring; air; hares

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