Chapter Characterization of Atmospheric Mercury in the High-Altitude Background Station and Coastal Urban City in South Asia

This study is performed to evaluate the potential sources and seasonal variation of atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions from regional sources and other influences in India. To achieve this, using the gold amalgam technique with an automated continuous mercury vapour analyzer (TekranTM 2537B). To assess the total gaseous mercury in high altitude mountain peak station at Kodaikanal & coastal/urban air in Chennai region, the impact of changing weather conditions is also evaluated. To compare the past and recent reports of mercury at different locations in the world. The average total gaseous mercury value in Chennai is 4.68 ng/m3, which is higher as compared to Kodaikanal, where it is 1.53 ng/m3. The association between TGM with meteorological parameters in ambient air such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall intensity, the direction of wind and velocity of was studied. The TGM concentration in India are compared with other nations, the TGM levels are similar to the east and Southeast Asian countries, and also Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and North America are the averages and maximum concentration generally smaller. This research will help to establish more effective management approaches to mitigate the impacts of atmospheric mercury on the rural and urban environment

Characterization of Atmospheric Mercury in the High-Altitude Background Station and Coastal Urban City in South Asia

This study is performed to evaluate the potential sources and seasonal variation of atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions from regional sources and other influences in India. To achieve this, using the gold amalgam technique with an automated continuous mercury vapour analyzer (TekranTM 2537B). To assess the total gaseous mercury in high altitude mountain peak station at Kodaikanal & coastal/urban air in Chennai region, the impact of changing weather conditions is also evaluated. To compare the past and recent reports of mercury at different locations in the world. The average total gaseous mercury value in Chennai is 4.68 ng/m3, which is higher as compared to Kodaikanal, where it is 1.53 ng/m3. The association between TGM with meteorological parameters in ambient air such as temperature, relative humidity, rainfall intensity, the direction of wind and velocity of was studied. The TGM concentration in India are compared with other nations, the TGM levels are similar to the east and Southeast Asian countries, and also Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa and North America are the averages and maximum concentration generally smaller. This research will help to establish more effective management approaches to mitigate the impacts of atmospheric mercury on the rural and urban environment

A magnetic and geochemical characterization of red dune sands (teri sands) of Tamil Nadu coast

1382-1392Teri sands from the southeast coast of Tamil Nadu were examined by magnetic methods, including magnetic susceptibility measurements, acquisition of isothermal remanent magnetization, and geochemistry. Four sections were excavated up to 5-7m with three inland deposits (KCV, SKM and TPV) and one near coastal (THOP). Magnetic parameters show the important contribution of hematite structures to the studied sands, namely in SKM and KCV samples. In TPV and THOP samples, magnetic parameters indicate the presence of multidomain magnetite or mixed mineral contents of magnetite and antiferromagnetic minerals. SKM samples present the highest quantity of hematite and smallest quantity of magnetite, as is shown by the highest values of HIRM% and smallest of S-300 and SIRM. The positive correlation between with clay in TPV, THOP and KCV sections indicates that the clay matrix carries magnetic susceptibility. In SKM, magnetic susceptibility is due to the silt fraction. Presence of magnetite in THOP and TPV sections is probably of oceanic origin carried by strong offshore winds. In SKM the wet environments due to cultivation (associated with a arid climate) may contribute to the prevalence of the necessary conditions for the dominant presence of hematite