Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026

An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Improper waste disposal of silver-mercury amalgam
J P B Lollobrigida de Souza1, S R Nozawa, R T Honda
1Centro Universitário Nilton Lins-CUNL, Laboratório de Toxicologia, Av. Prof. Nilton Lins 3259, Parque das Laranjeiras, Manaus, AM, 69058-040, Brazil.
Abstract:
The objective of this work was to estimate the quantity of mercury residue present in dental amalgam that is generated and discarded in the city of Manaus (Amazon-Brazil). For this purpose, the locations of amalgam usage (10 public and 31 private dental clinics), the method by which the residue is discarded (14 clinics improper disposal), and the analysis of total mercury in the sediment of the controlled landfill (2.68-3 μgHg/g), were described. It was concluded that: there are dental clinics in the city that discard mercury residue into the common waste disposal system, which contravenes health safety standards.
Related Concept Videos
Acid Mine Drainage
Washing, Drying, and Ignition of Precipitates
Microbial Leaching