Abstract: From May 12 to June 19, 2010, a high-time resolution observation on the atmospheric total gaseous mercury (TGM) concentration in an urban area of Guiyang was continuously conducted by using Lumex RA-915AM (made in Russia) and Tekran 2537A (made in Canada). Though the two sampling instruments have distinct operation principles, the overall characteristics and temporal distribution patterns of measured atmospheric TGM concentration were quite consistent, indicating that both of the instruments could accurately measure the atmospheric TGM concentration. The atmospheric TGM concentration in Guiyang was much higher than the mean global background value, and also, higher than the atmospheric TGM concentration in urban areas of Europe and North America. The preliminary sources identification suggested that the point source mercury emission from domestic activities played an important role in affecting the atmospheric TGM concentration in Guiyang, and some large factories located at the east of Guiyang were also the important sources to the regional atmospheric mercury.

Key words: Primary production, Phytoplankton, Saline alkaline ponds