The neurotoxin methyl mercury (CH3Hg) can be created through processes initiated by the oxidation of elemental mercury. Halogen radicals such as bromine (Br) and iodine (I) oxidize elemental mercury (Hg0). Our group has monitored bromine monoxide (BrO), iodine monoxide (IO), and other trace gases (NO2, H2O, HCHO, CHOCHO) at a coastal site in Pensacola, Florida (2008 to 2011) and at a high altitude mountaintop site in Storm Peak Laboratory, Colorado (2020 to 2023).
Spheres Edition 8 2014, Article on Mercury
Mercury data workshop agenda (May 22-23, 2023, at CU Boulder)
Relevant publications:
Coburn et al.: Mercury oxidation from bromine chemistry in the free troposphere over the southeastern US, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 3743-3760, doi:10.5194/acp-16-3743-2016, 2016.