Mercury (Hg) in Water Treatment

Quick Answer

Mercury (Hg) is a transition metal with atomic number 80. PubChem lists its standard state as liquid and its relative atomic mass as 200.59.

Mercury is hazardous at very low concentrations and may occur in inorganic or organic forms. Sulfur-based adsorbents, activated carbon, precipitation, ion exchange and membranes can be used in controlled applications, with strict residuals management.

Interesting Facts

• Mercury is the only metallic element that is liquid under ordinary room conditions.
• “Mercury” is not one treatment target: elemental mercury, Hg²⁺, particle-bound mercury, and methylmercury differ greatly in mobility and toxicity.
• Microorganisms can convert inorganic mercury into methylmercury, a form that biomagnifies through aquatic food webs.

Water-treatment Design Implications

An element name alone is not enough to select treatment equipment. Confirm chemical form or speciation, total and dissolved concentration, pH, alkalinity, competing ions and the product-water target. Send the water-analysis results to Watermart to identify additional testing and shortlist processes before equipment is specified.

Summary Data Sources

• PubChem — Mercury
• IUPAC Periodic Table of Elements
• US EPA — National Primary Drinking Water Regulations

Practical Reference for a Water Analysis

Ask what chemical form was measured. Total and dissolved results should be distinguished, and oxidation state or compound class may also be essential. Different species can carry different charge, toxicity, solubility, and affinity for treatment media.

Validate treatment on the actual matrix. A process name is not a performance guarantee. Competing ions, organic ligands, redox conditions, pH, suspended solids, and required recovery can change removal sharply. Use bench or pilot testing for unusual industrial streams, and make a mass balance for concentrate, sludge, regenerant, or spent media.

Do not invent a drinking-water limit from the periodic table. A health value applies only to the specified substance, route, averaging period, and jurisdiction. Check the current Indonesian requirement and the intended reuse or discharge permit before setting the design target.