Mercurio en aguas del sureste de Españaposibles fuentes de contaminación

Abstract

We determined Hg levels in drinking, irrigation and waste waters from different locations in the province of Granada (South-east Spain). A total of 74 samples were analysed using cold-vapour atomic-absorption spectrometry, and the sensitivity, accuracy and precision of the method were verifi ed. Hg was not detected in drinking water samples but values in irrigation water were found to range from undetectable to 0.12 µg/l. Although these values do not give cause for general alarm, some sampling points showed clear evidence of contamination. However, the origins of such could not be identifi ed with any certainty. In the light of the fact that background Hg levels in soil are in general fairly low, the higher values recorded seem to be attributable to anthropogenic activity (extensive use of phytosanitory products, urban and industrial waste,…). Hg levels in wastewater were somewhat higher, ranging from 2.83 to 3.95 µg/l, indicating that such a degree of contamination requires surveillance and periodic controls.