Incorporating in vivo demethylation and reduction into mercury mitigation for sustainable development

Mercury pollution, in conjunction with other contaminants, hampers progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which came into force in 2017, represents a critical step in combating this global issue. However, evaluating its effectiveness faces a major challenge, that is, establishing a clear link between reduced mercury emissions and lessened human exposure to neurotoxic methylmercury. Here, we propose that a previously overlooked methylmercury detoxification pathway in primary producers holds the potential to bridge the gaps in the emission-exposure nexus. A comprehensive understanding of this in vivo methylmercury demethylation and mercury reduction will enhance the effectiveness of global mercury mitigation efforts, accelerating our pace toward a sustainable future.