Biogeochemistry of mercury in forested ecosystems

Ecosystems of the Planet Earth are contaminated by toxic elements, major part of which is usually of anthropogenic origin. Although natural cycle of mercury (Hg) was not affected as much by anthropogenic activities as i.e. cycle of lead, its effects on human health and health condition of ecosystems is incomparable. The environment of the Czech Republic is bearing several loads, which originate in its past industrial processing, similarly to selected areas in Poland or Germany. A complex study of the mercury behavior in forest ecosystems of the Czech Republic is thus needed. The data on accumulation or export of mercury from the ecosystems are also unsatisfactory. Existing data on the mercury content in top horizons of forest soils indicate significant contamination, namely in the central Czech Republic. This biogeochemical study aims to evaluate the mercury concentrations and pools in the compartments of the forest ecosystem.