Mercury uses in Canada and their possible hazards as sources of mercury contamination

Abstract

During the past ten years mercury consumption has shown a strong upward trend in Canada. The major proportion of this increase can be accounted for by the chloralkali industry, from which nearly 200,000 lb (90,000 kg) of mercury are released into the environment each year. Most of this mercury finds its way to watercourses exposing aquatic ecosystems where mercury is known to accumulate. The use of mercury compounds for slime control in the Canadian pulp industry is decreasing, but in one case elevated mercury levels in fish were traced back to such a source. Also decreasing is the use of seed-dressings containing mercury, although this use of mercurials is still considerable, and in view of findings in other countries elevated mercury levels in seed-eating birds and their predators must be expected Elevated levels of mercury were found in pheasants and partridges collected in Southern Alberta where mercury seed-dressings are extensively used.