THE CONTAMINANT MERCURY

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 Abstract

Mercury is a highly toxic chemical element that occurs naturally and it is found in rock in

the Earth’s outer layer as well as in coal deposits. Mercury is considered bio accumulative to a

high degree in organic form or as methyl mercury or elemental Mercury; thus, it is among the

most harmful elements found in the environment [2]. The boiling point and melting point of

Mercury are 356.70 C and -38.90 C, respectively, and it is the only metal that can remain in a

liquid state while at ambient temperature. Mercury liquid droplets are silver-white and shiny that

appear as round on flat surfaces.

Mercury is odorless, insoluble, and is unreactive with most acids, such as sulphuric acids.

However, the compound reacts with hydrogen sulfide, has a high density, high surface tension,

and transmits heat or electricity. Inhaling mercury vapor can be harmful to the kidneys, lungs,

immune, digestive and nervous systems of humans and sometimes causes death [3]. Specifically,

elemental and methyl Mercury corrodes the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and skin, and if ingested,

it may give rise to the kidneys' toxicity [2]. Also, mercury contamination affects the brains of

unborn children and may lead to disability. The primary natural sources of Mercury

contamination include the oceans, geologic deposits, geothermal springs, and volcanoes.

Additionally, there are human-related mercury contamination sources, such as mining, industrial

uses, waste burning, and coal combustion.

Mercury contamination is majorly common in wildlife, fish, plants, sediment, soil, and

air. High mercury levels are found in animals that take fish, shellfish, and fish. The primary route

of elemental mercury exposure is mercury vapor inhalation, which is mostly absorbed by the

lungs. The vapor can also be steadily absorbed through the skin, causing eye and skin irritation,

which may lead to dermatitis [3]. When ingested, elemental Mercury is not toxic due to non-

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absorption. The significant mercury exposure incidents are through the consumption of shellfish

and fish already contaminated with methyl mercury. Other incidences occur in industries when

workers inhale vapors of elemental Mercury. The most common mercury contamination

treatment techniques are incineration and roasting, whereby Mercury is separated from the waste

stream and condensed for removal [1].

Moreover, for the conversion of Mercury into a soluble state, chemical oxidation is used.

Solidification processes are utilized for the immobilization of the dangerous components [1].

Various regulations and legislations have been put in place to protect the community and

children by limiting air toxins and mercury emissions from power plants. These regulations

prohibit agencies from the conveyance, sale, distribution, and export of metallic Mercury.

Mercury contamination has been in the news recently. The development and demonstration of

technologies that prevent Mercury pollution has been taking place [4]. For instance, currently, in

the U.S, the Environmental Protection Agency has developed technologies that burn sewage

through dental amalgam waste, chlorine production for mercury standardization, and effecting

regulations for electric steam plants as measures of reducing Mercury contamination.

Index terms - Mercury contamination, methyl Mercury, and elemental Mercury.

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 References

[1] F. Pedron, G. Petruzzelli, M. Barbafieri and E. Tassi, "Remediation of a Mercury-

Contaminated Industrial Soil Using Bioavailable Contaminant Stripping", Pedosphere,

vol. 23, no. 1, pp. 104-110, 2013.

[2] Rice, Kevin M., Ernest M. Walker Jr, Miaozong Wu, Chris Gillette, and Eric R. Blough.

"Environmental mercury and its toxic effects." Journal of preventive medicine

and public health 47, no. 2, pp. 74, 2014.

[3] K. Parker, S. Michelle, and C. Veronica. "High fructose corn syrup: production, uses and

public health concerns." Biotechnology and Molecular Biology Reviews 5, no. 5, pp. 71-

78, 2010.

[4] G. Bjørklund, M. Dadar, J. Mutter, and J. Aaseth. "The toxicology of

mercury: Current research and emerging trends." Environmental research, vol. 159, pp.

545-554, 2017.