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Environmental contamination by mercury in Iraq.

A Jernelöv

    Bulletin of the World Health Organization
    |January 1, 1976
    PubMed
    Summary

    Environmental mercury contamination in Iraq was investigated following poisoning outbreaks. High mercury levels were found in fish near a chemical plant and in seed-eating birds exposed to treated seeds.

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    Area of Science:

    • Environmental Science
    • Toxicology
    • Ecotoxicology

    Background:

    • Organomercury poisoning outbreaks in Iraq necessitated an investigation into environmental mercury contamination.
    • Previous data on mercury levels in Iraqi wildlife and aquatic ecosystems were limited.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the extent of organomercury contamination in fish and aquatic birds in Iraq.
    • To identify potential sources of mercury contamination in the environment.

    Main Methods:

    • Analysis of mercury concentrations in muscle tissue of various fish species.
    • Analysis of mercury concentrations in aquatic birds (ducks, waders) and seed-eating birds.
    • Investigation of mercury levels in bird feathers and muscle tissue, correlating with proximity to potential contamination sources.

    Main Results:

    • Most fish exhibited low to moderate mercury levels (0.01-0.15 mg/kg), typical for tropical rivers.
    • Elevated mercury concentrations (0.3-0.5 mg/kg) were detected in fish downstream from a caustic soda plant.
    • Extremely high mercury levels (15,000-52,000 ng/g) were found in dead seed-eating birds and their feathers near treated seed storehouses.

    Conclusions:

    • The study identified localized environmental mercury contamination in Iraq, linked to industrial activity and agricultural practices involving treated seeds.
    • Seed-eating birds are particularly vulnerable to high mercury exposure from treated seeds, posing a significant ecological risk.
    • Further monitoring and source identification are crucial to mitigate mercury pollution and protect wildlife and public health.

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