Mercury speciation in tailings of the Idrija mercury mine

摘要: Abstract Five hundred years of mercury (Hg) mining activity in Idrija, Slovenia caused widespread Hg contamination. Besides emissions from the ore smelter, tailings have been found to be major source river sediment In present study, solid phase binding forms and aqueous mobility investigated Idrija mine by means a pyrolysis technique speciation. Results show that differ with age due processing different ores roasting techniques. older tailings, predominant species is cinnabar (HgS), incomplete roasting, whereas 20th century amount material decreased higher efficiency process increasing use bearing native Hg. younger metallic (Hg 0 ) sorbed mineral matrix components such as dolomite Fe-oxyhydroxides became form addition unbound traces HgO. Leaching tests high amounts soluble exist reactive form. most occurs bound complexes. It might assumed long term, matrix-bound could humic acids derived soils covering tailings. This that, despite lower total concentrations long-term risk potential its mobile than mostly immobile cinnabar.