Mercury contamination of sediments in an open coastal area of the Hupo Basin, East Sea, Korea

Mercury (Hg) contamination in open coastal areas has attracted public concern regarding safe fish consumption and management of the coastal environment, especially in areas of accidental Hg spills on inland coasts. This study investigated the temporal and spatial distribution of Hg in sediments of Youngil Bay and the Hupo Basin, East Sea, Korea; it also discussed the sources and transport of anthropogenic Hg. Hg hot spots were found in the northern Hupo Basin (elevated by 2–3×) and the river mouth area in Youngil Bay (elevated by approximately 70×). The river mouth contamination resulted from the destruction of a dam impounding landfill waste, while the basin contamination was attributed to atmospheric deposition and Hg enrichment associated with increased organic carbon concentrations driven by high biological production in the coastal upwelling area. Spilled Hg was transported to open coastal areas up to 36.6°N.