Trace Sciences International

Mercury Isotopes

Nominal Mass
Accurate Mass
% Natural Abundance
Chemical Form
Enrichment Available %

196 Hg

195.965807 (5)

0.15 (1)

metal

30+

198 Hg

197.966743 (4)

9.97 (20)

metal

91+

199 Hg

198.968254 (4)

16.84 (22)

metal, oxide

91+

200 Hg

199.968300 (4)

23.10 (19)

metal, oxide

77 – 98+

201 Hg

200.970277 (4)

13.18 (9)

metal

84

202 Hg

201.970617 (4)

29.86 (26)

metal, oxide

96 – 99+

204 Hg

203.973467 (5)

6.87 (15)

oxide

42+

Mercury Isotopes are mainly used in the study of the deposition and emission of Hg in both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. In one experiment in Canada three different Mercury isotopes (Hg-198, Hg-200 and Hg-202) were used to find out how the route of entry of mercury to an ecosystem affects the amount that becomes accumulated in fish. Several other trials using Hg isotopes are, or have been, undertaken in lakes in the US and Canada. Hg-202 is also used for the production of radioactive Hg-203 which is used for gamma radiation calibration.