Mercury distribution in the environment of mining areas in the Altai Republic (Russia)
Mercury content is assessed in the natural environment-in soil, leaves and needles of woody vegetation, and atmospheric and soil air-within the areas of anthropogenic Hg contamination due to mercury and gold mining in river valleys of the Altai Republic, in zones of influence of “Veselyj”, “Aktash”, and “Mayskiy” mines, as well as in the Katun river valley in the segment of hydroelectric power station projected. High Hg concentrations and correlations between them in interfaced components of the environment are revealed. The shares of exchange and related Hg forms in contaminated soil are estimated, as well as the contributions of atmosphere and soil in the Hg assimilation by plants.