Photo-induced transformations of Hg(II) species in the presence of Nitzschia hantzschiana, ferric ion, and humic acid.

Effects of algae Nitzschia hantzschiana, Fe(III) ions, humic acid, and pH on the photochemical reduction of Hg(II) using the irradiation of metal halide lamps (lambda > or = 365 nm, 250 W) were investigated. The photoreduction rate of Hg(II) was found to increase with increasing concentrations of algae, Fe(III) ions, and humic acid. Alteration of pH value affected the photoreduction of Hg(II) in aqueous solution with or without algae. The photoreduction rate of Hg(II) decreased with increasing initial Hg(II) concentration in aqueous solution in the presence of algae. The photochemical kinetics of initial Hg(II) and algae concentrations on the photoreduction of Hg(II) were studied at pH 7.0. The study on the total Hg mass balance in terms of photochemical process revealed that more than 42% of Hg(II) from the algal suspension was reduced to volatile metallic Hg under the conditions investigated.