Biogeochemistry and modelling of mercury in the Gulf of Trieste

Mercury and especially its most toxic form monomethylmercury tend to accumulate in fish and therefore represent a human health hazard. The Gulf of Trieste (NW Adriatic, mediterranean Sea) is subject to considerable mercury pollution, mainly originating from the Soča river which drains an area of the mercury mininig in Idrija, Slovenia. Although the mine has been closed, mercury concentrations in sediments, water and biota have not shown expected decrease. The main subject areas of the project are: (i) the analysis and better understanding of the biogeochemical cycle of mercury forms in the marine environment and the river system and (ii) the development of three dimensional model in order to simulate mercury cycling in the Gulf of Trieste. Results of the project will be used for future simulation of mercury cycling in this important area and plan remediation actions, if necessary.