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Updated: May 19, 2026
09:33
An Anaerobic Biosensor Assay for the Detection of Mercury and Cadmium
Published on: December 17, 2018
Environmental mercury in China: a review
Yan Lin1, Rolf Vogt, Thorjorn Larssen
1Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway. yan.lin@niva.no
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
|August 14, 2012
Summary
China leads in atmospheric mercury (Hg) emissions and industrial use, resulting in elevated Hg levels across its environment, including remote areas. While fish show low contamination, rice may pose a localized risk, though general population exposure remains low.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Global Pollution Studies
Background:
- Mercury (Hg) is a persistent global pollutant with long-range transport and bioaccumulation potential.
- China is the leading contributor to atmospheric Hg emissions and industrial Hg use.
- Elevated Hg levels are observed across various Chinese environmental compartments, including air, water, and sediments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent and sources of mercury contamination in the Chinese environment.
- To evaluate mercury exposure risks to both the environment and the human population in China.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of mercury's status in China, considering its industrial activities and environmental conditions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific literature on mercury levels in China.
- Analysis of data on atmospheric emissions, industrial use, and environmental concentrations (air, water, sediment).
- Assessment of mercury bioaccumulation in fish and dietary exposure through rice, alongside human hair mercury levels.
Main Results:
- Atmospheric Hg emissions and industrial use are highest in China, leading to widespread environmental contamination, even in remote regions.
- River estuaries and sediments show significant Hg contamination linked to industrial sources.
- While urban Hg pollution is comparable to other megacities, Hg in fish is generally low due to short food chains. Elevated Hg in rice is a concern for localized populations, but overall human exposure via rice is minimal.
- Hg levels in the general Chinese population are low, except for those with specific occupational exposures.
Conclusions:
- China faces significant challenges with mercury pollution due to high emissions and industrial use, impacting its environment broadly.
- Dietary exposure risks from mercury are generally low for the Chinese population, with fish posing minimal threat and rice contamination being a localized issue.
- Further monitoring and targeted interventions are necessary to manage mercury pollution effectively in China's unique environmental and developmental context.
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