MERCURY EMISSION IN HAWAII - AEROMETRIC STUDY OF KALALUA ERUPTION OF 1977

Mercury emission was followed before, during, and after the eruption of September 1977 at the Kalaiua vents of the Kilauea East Rift (Island of Hawaii) and associated sites. A remote station in Honolulu, some 380 km to the NW, was also monitored. Ground-based measurements were supplemented with aerial samples at low altitudes over the vents and at higher altitudes between the islands. In proximity to the eruption sites, air mercury rose from typical preeruptive values of 1 μg.m-3 or less to levels of 50-200 μg.m-3 at the beginning of full scale activity. It also rose substantially at the Honolulu station. Aerial surveys revealed a rise in Hg from ground to 33 m and a decrease thereafter. Relatively high levels of Hg (about 1 μg.m-3) were present at least to 2500 m altitude. Earlier aerometric data confirmed the facile dispersal of Hg from a volcanic source. A comparison of recently measured mercury values with published environmental health standards suggested that potentially hazardous air concentrations may exist in the Hawaii Volcanos National Park and the lower portions of the adjacent Puna District. © 1978, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.