Levels and behavior of mercury pollutant in three Italian cities

Mercury generally is present in the atmosphere in only very small amounts compared with other atmospheric pollutants but it does not break down and after being washed out of the atmosphere it can be converted to a more toxic form such as methyl mercury. Even in places thought to be pristine, the more toxic form can become very concentrated as it is passed up the food chain. This research recorded mercury levels that included significant concentrations of reactive gaseous mercury (RGM). Seasonal study campaigns were performed during 2006 in urban areas of three Italian cities: Rome, Taranto and Venice, to determine concentrations and behavior of this important pollutant. For sampling and analysis, a portable instrument was used based on the atomic absorption methodology with background correction through the Zeeman effect. The dally trends obtained by such measures are discussed and the Observed levels are compared with the very few data reported in literature and with the guidelines of the European Union document. No conditions were found that constituted a threat to human health.