Import, export, and speciation of mercury in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard: Influences of glacier melt and river discharge

Abstract

The major sources and sinks of total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in Kongsfjorden were estimated based on spreadsheet-based ecological risk assessment for the fate of mercury (SERAFM). SERAFM was parameterized and calibrated to fit Kongsfjorden using the physical properties of the fjord, runoff coefficients of Hg, transformation rate constants of Hg, partition coefficients of Hg, Hg loadings from freshwater, and solid balance parameters. The modeled Hg concentrations in the seawater matched with the measured concentrations, with a mean bias of 12% and a calibration error of 0.035. The mass budget showed that the major THg sources were tidal inflow and glacial runoff, while the major MeHg sources were tidal inflow and in situ methylation in shallow halocline water, which agreed with the distributions of THg and MeHg in seawater. The coupling of observation and fate modeling in Kongsfjorden provides a basic understanding of Hg cycles in the Arctic fjords.