Difference between revisions of "Mercury"
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| − | Mercury is a [[heavy metals|heavy metal]]. Natural mercury derives from the weathering of mercury-bearing rocks, volcano's and hydrothermal vents. Important [[anthropogenic]] sources are paper and lumber industries, [[antifouling]] paints, [[pesticides]] and pharmaceutical and other industries. In the Northern hemisphere these anthropogenic sources have largely been eliminated since the 1980's. <ref>↑ Kennish, M. J. (1996): Practical Handbook of Estuarine and Marine Pollution, CRC Press 524 pp</ref> | + | Mercury is a [[heavy metals|heavy metal]]. Natural mercury derives from the weathering of mercury-bearing rocks, volcano's and hydrothermal vents. Important [[anthropogenic]] sources are paper and lumber industries, [[antifouling]] paints, [[pesticide|pesticides]] and pharmaceutical and other industries. In the Northern hemisphere these anthropogenic sources have largely been eliminated since the 1980's. <ref>↑ Kennish, M. J. (1996): Practical Handbook of Estuarine and Marine Pollution, CRC Press 524 pp</ref> |
Mercury has been the only contaminant (apart from pathogens) that certainly has been responsible for [[minamata disease|human deaths.]]. In anoxic sediments inorganic mercury is transformed in the more toxic [[methylmercury]]. | Mercury has been the only contaminant (apart from pathogens) that certainly has been responsible for [[minamata disease|human deaths.]]. In anoxic sediments inorganic mercury is transformed in the more toxic [[methylmercury]]. | ||
Revision as of 15:31, 8 July 2009
Mercury is a heavy metal. Natural mercury derives from the weathering of mercury-bearing rocks, volcano's and hydrothermal vents. Important anthropogenic sources are paper and lumber industries, antifouling paints, pesticides and pharmaceutical and other industries. In the Northern hemisphere these anthropogenic sources have largely been eliminated since the 1980's. [1]
Mercury has been the only contaminant (apart from pathogens) that certainly has been responsible for human deaths.. In anoxic sediments inorganic mercury is transformed in the more toxic methylmercury.- ↑ ↑ Kennish, M. J. (1996): Practical Handbook of Estuarine and Marine Pollution, CRC Press 524 pp
