Abstract
This report synthesizes and evaluates published scientific literature on the environmental occurrence and biomagnification of mercury with emphasis on the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA), California. Mercury forms various compounds, well known for their toxicity in humans and environmental ecosystems. Elemental mercury is transported and distributed by air, water, and sediments. Through the metabolic processes of algae and bacteria, mercury is converted into organic compounds, such as methylmercury (MeHg), which then bioaccumulates up through trophic levels. In fish, it is found primarily in skeletal muscle, while in humans, the primary target organs are the brain and kidneys. Health concerns exist regarding bioaccumulation of mercury in humans. This paper reviews the known anthropogenic sources of mercury contamination, including atmospheric deposition through aerial transport from coal burning power plants, cement production, and residual contaminants of mercury from gold mining, as well as mercury-containing waste from silver amalgams emitted from dental offices into waterways. Although tools exist for measuring mercury levels in hair, breast milk, urine, blood, and feces in humans, current diagnostic tools are inadequate in measuring total mercury load, including deposited mercury in tissues. Additionally, insufficient attention is being paid to potential synergistic impacts of mercury interaction with multipliers such as lead, cadmium, and aluminum. We provide specific data on methylmercury concentrations at different trophic levels, followed by recommendations for reducing the level of mercury in the SFBA in order to protect the health of humans and other species.
Highlights
Mercury, atomic symbol, Hg (Latin, Hydrargyrium), is one of the most highly toxic, nonradioactive elements [1]. e three primary forms of mercury are elemental mercury (Hg0), inorganic mercury (Hg2+), and organic mercury compounds (MeHg and EtHg), all of which are deleterious to humans and other taxa
Methylmercury entering the bay was a by-product of more than 6,000 tons of acetaldehyde produced each year by the Chisso Corporation [6]. is untreated mercury was dumped into the bay, where it contaminated the water and through bioaccumulation entered the food chain to reach the Minamata human population. is tragic example of mercury’s harmful effects is directly related to the main focus of this paper, which analyzes sources and effects of mercury bioaccumulation in San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) and other California ecosystems with their plants, wildlife, and humans
While we focus in this paper on the SFBA and other locations in California, it is important to note that since the initial studies of Minamata disease, mercury contamination of marine environments has emerged as a problem of global concern
Summary
Atomic symbol, Hg (Latin, Hydrargyrium), is one of the most highly toxic, nonradioactive elements [1]. e three primary forms of mercury are elemental mercury (Hg0), inorganic mercury (Hg2+), and organic mercury compounds (MeHg and EtHg), all of which are deleterious to humans and other taxa. Mercury exposure at toxic levels most commonly affects neurologic, renal, and gastrointestinal systems producing a wide range of symptoms [2, 3]. Is untreated mercury was dumped into the bay, where it contaminated the water and through bioaccumulation entered the food chain to reach the Minamata human population. While we focus in this paper on the SFBA and other locations in California, it is important to note that since the initial studies of Minamata disease, mercury contamination of marine environments has emerged as a problem of global concern. E muscle tissue of pilot whales contains both methylmercury and PCBs; pilot whale blubber is especially high in PCBs [17] Mercury concentrations measured both in maternal hair and in umbilical cord blood exceeded safe levels recommended by WHO [18]. It is important to point out that the effects of mercury toxicity are not limited to coastal or island populations but represent a truly global problem
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
