Trans-boundary movement of mercury in the Northeast Asian region predicted by CAMQ-Hg from anthropogenic emissions distribution

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

<P><B>Abstract</B></P> <P>The percentage contribution of trans-boundary mercury (Hg) from China at different locations in South Korea was estimated from Hg anthropogenic emission distributions using the Hg dispersion model, CMAQ-Hg. This investigation quantifies the trans-boundary Hg emissions as contribution ratios. In addition, the long-range transportation frequency is also calculated, to verify inflow cases from China. The seasonal distribution of the Hg contribution ratio was found to be highest in winter (40%), followed by fall (16%). Seasonal observations of Hg inflow frequencies were estimated as 40%, 25%, 21%, and 4% in winter, fall, summer, and spring, respectively, at the same location. Such results would be produced by the wind generally blowing from the west and north-west with a speed of 5.0m/s and 4.5m/s, respectively, during winter and fall, around the study area. This study made an effort to quantify the trans-boundary Hg transport and to plot Hg anthropogenic emissions distribution in the region.</P> <P><B>Highlights</B></P> <P> <UL> <LI> The trans-boundary Hg in Northeast Asian region was predicted by the CMAQ-Hg model using anthropogenic emission data. </LI> <LI> Amount of trans-boundary Hg was quantified between the countries as first attempt. </LI> <LI> Higher levels of trans-boundary Hg contribution from China to South Korea were recorded in winter and fall. </LI> <LI> Long-range transportation frequency and inflow cases from China to Korea were estimated by using the CMAQ-Hg model </LI> </UL> </P> <P><B>Graphical abstract</B></P> <P>Graphical abstract of quantification of trans-boundary Hg in the region</P> <P>[DISPLAY OMISSION]</P>