Characteristics and potential sources of atmospheric particulate mercury in Jinan, China

Measurements of atmospheric particulate mercury (PHg) were conducted at a suburban site in Jinan, China from June 2014 to December 2015. The average PHg concentration was 508.5±402.7pgm−3, and the average Hg content in PM2.5 (particles with a diameter of 2.5μm or less) was 6.60±5.82μgg−1. Both PHg and Hg content in PM2.5 aerosols were comparable to levels in some cities in China and were much higher than in cities in North America and Europe. Weak correlations were found between PHg and meteorological parameters. The correlations between PHg and other pollutants in ambient air, including SO2, CO and NOχ, together with their wind dependence were used for source analysis, which suggested coal-fired industries, cement plants and traffic emissions as potential local sources for the site. Cluster analysis of 36-h backward trajectories suggested that the regional transport from southwestern Shandong Province also contributed to PHg in Jinan. [Display omitted] •The first long-term monitoring of atmospheric particulate Hg (PHg) in Jinan.•Meteorological parameters exhibited relatively weak impacts on PHg.•PHg levels were elevated and were impacted primarily by local emissions.•Transport from southwestern part of Shandong Province contributed to PHg in Jinan.