Effects of Modern and Ancient Human Activities on Mercury in the Environment in Xi'an Area, Shaanxi Province, P.R. China

Effects of modern and ancient human activities on mercury (Hg) in the natural environment of Qinshihuang Mausoleum in Shaanxi province of China are investigated. It is observed that the average concentration of Hg in the water samples from the Zaohe River is 113 times higher than that from Fenghe and 14 times higher than that from the other rivers in the Xi'an area. The Hg concentrations are up to 13 times higher in the samples collected downstream than upstream of the city. Strong odors and different colors of the wastewaters discharged into the rivers suggest that other pollutants are also released into the environment. The concentrations of Hg in the soil samples farther away from the center and in the samples of pomegranates, well water, and atmospheric precipitate, that is collected nearby and over the burial mound is relatively low.