Mercury spills require special cleanup methods, protection

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Environmental Solutions

OSTI ID:178017

Ceaser, A V ^[1]

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1. Omni/ajax, Great Meadows, NJ (United States)

Cleaning up liquid mercury usually involves one or two chemical processes--insolubilization and/or amalgamation. Both turn liquid mercury into a non-vaporizing form. Insolubilization most often involves turning mercury into a sulfide. Amalgamation combines liquid mercury with metal powder to produce a solid, non-mobile form. The minimum protection requires for working on mercury-spill cleanups involves equipment specially designed for mercury exposures, including respirators, gloves, goggles and shoe covers. In some cases, full-body protection may be required. Other equipment includes gold-film-type mercury-vapor detectors, probably the most sensitive and efficient units available for mercury cleanups; gas detection tubes; and high-intensity halogen lamps, which often reveal liquid mercury to the eye. If the mercury spill is in a confined area, it should be ventilated immediately. Indoor heating systems should be shut off to reduce vaporization. If an amalgamating powder is not available immediately, responders can cover the suspected area with polyethylene sheeting or spray, and apply an acrylic wash over the surface. In most soil contamination cases, the mercury is at or close to the surface. The contaminated soil should be excavation to 50% beyond the depth of contamination to ensure complete removal. This excavated soil can be taken off site, and the mercury removed through distillation or through magnetic means, using amalgamating powder. The latter process involves slurring the contaminated soil in water and stirring in the magnetic powder. In some cases, a mild acid may have to be added to maintain a pH of no less than 4 or higher than 6. After adequate mixing, the amalgamated mercury may be removed using a plastic-covered magnet as described previously. The soil should be tested on-site for any remaining mercury. In all procedures, the use of corrosion-resistant, plastic equipment should be employed.

• OSTI ID: 178017
• Journal Information: Environmental Solutions, Journal Name: Environmental Solutions Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 9; ISSN ESOLE7; ISSN 1077-2537
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CHEMICAL SPILLS
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SPILLS
MERCURY
PROTECTIVE CLOTHING
REMEDIAL ACTION
REMOVAL
SOILS
TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT