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A Critical Time for Mercury Science to Inform Global Policy
Celia Y Chen1, Charles T Driscoll2, Collin A Eagles-Smith3
1Dartmouth College , Department of Biological Sciences , Hanover , New Hampshire 03755 United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|August 2, 2018
Summary
Mercury is a global pollutant impacting ecosystems and human health. Environmental changes, not just mercury releases, significantly influence its toxic form, methylmercury, affecting global pollution control efforts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Toxicology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Mercury is a pervasive global pollutant from human activities like coal combustion and mining.
- Bacterial methylation converts mercury into toxic methylmercury, which bioaccumulates in food chains, posing risks to humans and wildlife.
- The Minamata Convention on Mercury (2017) aims to protect health and the environment from mercury releases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize research presented at the 13th International Conference of Mercury as a Global Pollutant (ICMGP-13).
- To address key questions on mercury sources, cycling, methylation, and exposure effects.
- To identify scientific needs for implementing the Minamata Convention.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of cutting-edge research presented at ICMGP-13.
- Analysis of factors influencing mercury's fate and effects.
- Evaluation of uncertainties in mercury cycling and methylmercury bioavailability.
Main Results:
- Human activities can enhance mercury methylation by remobilizing mercury and increasing methylation efficiency.
- Environmental changes (climate, land use) significantly impact mercury cycling and methylmercury bioavailability, more than mercury releases alone.
- Critical uncertainties remain regarding mercury's fate and effects due to these broader environmental changes.
Conclusions:
- Effective implementation of the Minamata Convention requires addressing broader environmental changes impacting mercury cycling.
- Short-term policy and management actions, including monitoring and risk communication, are crucial for controlling mercury releases.
- Integrating mercury research and policy within a changing global landscape is essential for successful pollution management.
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