Probing the outfall-related anomalous Hg levels in the Danshuei Estuarine Coastal, Taiwan

Seasonal and spatial distributions of total mercury (THg) in the Danshuei Estuary and adjacent coastal areas near the ocean outfall of Taipei, Taiwan, have been successfully investigated from May 2003 to January 2005. We found spatio-temporal variation in THg levels in the Danshuei coastal area was the result of sources and supplies of Hg. High THg concentrations in sediments and seawater were particularly found near the effluent outfall. Average THg levels (avg.: 9–22 ng L−1) were much higher than those in surrounding coastal seawaters (avg.:1–2 ng L−1). Organic carbon contents then played vital roles in controlling water and sedimentary Hg concentrations and occurrences. Hg enrichment factor (EF) as an index of contamination status in surface sediments of the Danshuei coastal area averaged 2.0 ± 0.8 (EFs > 1), indicating an extra non-crustal source from anthropogenic loadings. It implies the Dansheui coastal environment nearby the sewer outfall is facing Hg pollution. •The coastal Hg pollution with source attribution was successfully explored by a portable flow injection mercury analyzer.•A non-conservative Hg behavior suggests active removal processes within Danshuei Estuary, Northern Taiwan.•Organic carbon contents play vital roles in controlling water and sedimentary Hg distributions and occurrences.•High Hg concentrations and enrichment factors in sediments and seawaters were found near the ocean outfall area.•It implies the Dansheui coastal environment is facing observable Hg contamination.