Editorial: Environmental chemistry of mercury: sources, pathways, transformations and impact

In terms of inorganic pollutants that are globally distributed, mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant of major concern because of its ability to be transported globally via the atmosphere, and through the ocean and via river watersheds. It has been released into the environment from anthropogenic sourc...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Frontiers in environmental chemistry 2024-01, Vol.4
Main Authors: Mason, Robert Peter, Amouroux, David, Dastoor, Ashu, Chen, Juibin
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Analytical chemistry
atmosphere
Chemical Sciences
freshwater
Material chemistry
mercury
methylmercury
ocean
or physical chemistry
Polymers
stable isotopes
Theoretical and
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Summary:In terms of inorganic pollutants that are globally distributed, mercury (Hg) is a global pollutant of major concern because of its ability to be transported globally via the atmosphere, and through the ocean and via river watersheds. It has been released into the environment from anthropogenic sources, from its intentional use, such as in artisanal and small-scale goldmining (ASGM), and because it is a trace element in coal, ores and other primary resources extracted and used by humans. Anthropogenic emissions globally far exceed the natural inputs of Hg to the biogeosphere. While it is primarily released as inorganic Hg, elevated levels of Hg as methylmercury (MeHg) in seafood and other foods is a health concern for humans and wildlife. Mercury is taken up into vegetation and soils, and into ocean surface waters primarily from the atmosphere, and can be released back to the atmosphere due to natural processes, including those that are anthropogenically enhanced, such as biomass burning and deforestation.
ISSN:2673-4486
2673-4486
DOI:10.3389/fenvc.2023.1358345