Evaluation of sampling and sample preparation methodologies for determination of mercury concentrations and stable mercury isotopes in foliage samples.

ABSTRACT: Globally, foliar uptake of atmospheric mercury (Hg) is a key deposition pathway for terrestrial surfaces. However, diverse sampling and pre-treatment methods across studies can influence the comparability of foliar Hg concentrations and isotopic measurements, leading to biases that impact our understanding of Hg inter-compartmental exchanges at regional and global scale. In this study, we tested the effect of different sample drying and rinsing methods on foliage samples collected from three distinct locations on the tree crown of a European hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus L.). Samples were taken from Ljubljana, an urban area, and Idrija, a historically Hg-contaminated mining site, representing contrasting environments. Vertical crown stratification significantly influenced Hg concentrations, w

SUBMITTER: Ali SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12226646 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature