Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) in ambient air in Malaysia and its health risk assessment

Mohd Nadzir, Mohd Shahrul and Shin, Tan Mei and Chua, Alvin and Mohd Nor, Mohd Zaim and Wahab, Muhamad Ikram A. and Soo, Tay Kheng and Bakar, Mohd Aftar Abu and Ariff, Noratiqah Mohd and Mohd Nor, Mohd Fadzil Firdzaus (2025) Gaseous Elemental Mercury (GEM) in ambient air in Malaysia and its health risk assessment. Water Air and Soil Pollution, 236 (3). ISSN 0049-6979, DOI https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-025-07797-3.

Full text not available from this repository.

Abstract

Mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant that poses significant risks to human health and ecosystems. In its dominant atmospheric form, gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), it can travel long distances, contributing to widespread environmental contamination. This study investigates GEM levels in ambient air across urban, suburban, rural, and industrial areas in Peninsular Malaysia using both in situ and continuous measurement methods. Results show GEM concentrations ranging from a minimum of 4.8 to a maximum of 28.9 ng m(-)3, with the highest levels observed in industrial areas such as Pasir Gudang (28.9 ng m(-)3) and Shah Alam (18.6 ng m(-)3). Health risk assessments (HRA), conducted for different age groups, indicated that GEM concentrations were below the threshold for non-carcinogenic health risks (HQ < 1). These findings highlight the urgent need for long-term monitoring to assess mercury pollution and inform Malaysia's commitment to the Minamata Convention. The study underscores the importance of continuous GEM monitoring to bridge knowledge gaps in mercury's spatial and temporal distribution, especially in tropical regions.

Item Type: Article
Funders: Nippon Instruments Corporation, Universiti Malaya
Uncontrolled Keywords: Gaseous elemental mercury; Ambient air; Health risk assessment; Peninsular Malaysia; Minamata Convention
Subjects: Q Science > Q Science (General)
Divisions: Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research & Innovation) Office > Institute of Ocean and Earth Sciences
Depositing User: Ms. Juhaida Abd Rahim
Date Deposited: 03 Oct 2025 02:35
Last Modified: 03 Oct 2025 02:35
URI: http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/47841

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item