The effect of aerobic conditions on the complexation ability between mercury and humic acid from landfill leachate and its implication for the environment

► The S content as well as the oxygen-containing ligands of HA played a key role in the complexation with mercury. ► The anaerobic technique was expected to increase the reaction between Hg and HA. ► In the long run, the semi-aerobic landfill was more conducive to the transfer of Hg.