Mercury contamination due to zinc smelting and chlor-alkali production in NE China

Zinc smelting and chlor-alkali production are major sources of Hg contamination to the environment, potentially leading to serious impacts on the health of the local population. Huludao, NE China has been heavily contaminated by Hg due to long-term Zn smelting and chlor-alkali production. The aim of this work was to determine Hg accumulation in the aquatic and terrestrial environment, as well as in the human population of Huludao. The investigation included: (a) Hg accumulation in sediments, Spirogyra algae, crucian carp and shrimp, (b) Hg distribution in soil, vegetables and corn, and (c) assessment of potential health effects of Hg exposure associated with total Hg (T-Hg) concentrations in human hair. Measured T-Hg concentrations in sediments of Wuli River ranged from 0.15 to 15.4 mg kg−1, with the maximum Hg concentration in sediment exceeding the background levels in Liaoning Province by 438 times. The maximum T-Hg levels in Spirogyra, crucian carp and shrimp were 13.6, 0.36, and 0.44 mg kg−1, respectively. Total-Hg concentrations in hair of the human population varied from 0.05 to 3.25 mg kg−1 (average 0.43 mg kg−1). However, the frequency of paraesthesia to most inhabitants in Huludao was estimated to be lower than 5%, with only one person rated at 50%. The results indicated minimal adverse health effects of Hg exposure to the inhabitants of Huludao, despite the serious Hg contamination of the environment.

Research highlights
► Long-term Zn smelting and chlor-alkali production lead to Hg accumulation in the aquatic and terrestrial environment.
► A significant correlation is observed between T-Hg concentrations in the sediments and in Spirogyra.
► Although the environment of Huludao City is seriously contaminated with Hg, the health effect of Hg exposure to local inhabitants in Huludao is not serious.