Trans-boundary movement of mercury in the Northeast Asian region predicted by CAMQ-Hg from anthropogenic emissions distribution

• Published in: Atmospheric research Vol. 203; pp. 197 - 206
• Main Authors: Sung, Jin-Ho, Roy, Debananda, Oh, Joo-Sung, Back, Seung-Ki, Jang, Ha-Na, Kim, Seong-Heon, Seo, Yong-Chil, Kim, Jeong-Hun, Lee, Chong Bum, Han, Young-Ji
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2018
• Subjects: Anthropogenic sources; CMAQ-Hg model; Contribution ratio; Long-range transport; Trans-boundary mercury; Contribution ratio; Anthropogenic sources; Long-range transport; Trans-boundary mercury; CMAQ-Hg model
• ISSN: 0169-8095; 1873-2895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosres.2017.12.015

The percentage contribution of trans-boundary mercury (Hg) from China at different locations in South Korea was estimated from Hg anthropogenic emission distributions using the Hg dispersion model, CMAQ-Hg. This investigation quantifies the trans-boundary Hg emissions as contribution ratios. In addition, the long-range transportation frequency is also calculated, to verify inflow cases from China. The seasonal distribution of the Hg contribution ratio was found to be highest in winter (40%), followed by fall (16%). Seasonal observations of Hg inflow frequencies were estimated as 40%, 25%, 21%, and 4% in winter, fall, summer, and spring, respectively, at the same location. Such results would be produced by the wind generally blowing from the west and north-west with a speed of 5.0m/s and 4.5m/s, respectively, during winter and fall, around the study area. This study made an effort to quantify the trans-boundary Hg transport and to plot Hg anthropogenic emissions distribution in the region. Graphical abstract of quantification of trans-boundary Hg in the region [Display omitted] •The trans-boundary Hg in Northeast Asian region was predicted by the CMAQ-Hg model using anthropogenic emission data.•Amount of trans-boundary Hg was quantified between the countries as first attempt.•Higher levels of trans-boundary Hg contribution from China to South Korea were recorded in winter and fall.•Long-range transportation frequency and inflow cases from China to Korea were estimated by using the CMAQ-Hg model