Poplar tree (Populus balsamifera L.) as indicator of mercury emission from a point source

The article provides original data on the ecological and geochemical characteristics of the distribution of Hg in the leaves and annual rings of balsam poplar (P. balsamifera L.) in the zone of influence of lithium production (Novosibirsk). In 2017 high Hg concentration (1300 ng/g) in the poplar leaves was recorded in the northeastern part of the city near the industrial facility of the lithium plant. The investigation showed a clear trend of increased Hg accumulation in the poplar leaves during the growing season. The maximum average Hg content was detected in the leaf litter in 2006 (1153–2425 ng/g). However, the average Hg content in the soil is 294 ng/g, which is significantly lower than the threshold limit value (2100 ng/g). Studies of changes in the content of Hg with the height of the crown of the tree revealed an increase in the upwind side of the emission source, the concentration of Hg in the leaves is on average 1.5 times higher than on the side of the "wind shadow". Hg in poplar leaves, leaf litter, and soils is mainly found in free and physically bonded forms - the most mobile, prone to increased migration, transformation and methylation under environmental conditions. According to the Hg content in the poplar cores, an increase in the Hg input near the source was established with the beginning of Li production - in the period 1967–1985 years (441 ng/g) with a subsequent decrease to 6 ng/g in 2000–2017. [Display omitted] •The maximum average Hg content was detected in the leaf litter in 2006 (1153–2425 ng/g). However, the average Hg content in the soil is 294 ng/g, which is significantly lower than the threshold limit value (2100 ng/g).•The Hg in poplar leaves, leaf litter, and soils is mainly found in free and physically bond forms - the most mobile, prone to increased migration, transformation and methylation under environmental conditions.•According to the Hg content in the poplar cores, an increase in the Hg input near the source was established with the beginning of Li production - in the period 1967–1985 years (441 ng/g) with a subsequent decrease to 6 ng/g in 2000–2017 years.