Mercury Dynamics in Aquatic Systems: A Critical Review of Methylation, Bioaccumulation, and Global Health Risks

Authors- Vibha Chauhan

Abstract-Mercury is highly toxic environmental pollutant of serious concern to human and fish populations in this world we live in. The function of microbial methylation to convert inorganic mercury to the highly toxic and bioaccumulative form of methyl mercury (MeHg) in aquatic ecosystems is explored in this review. The bioaccumulation and cumulative nature of the methylmercury significantly impair nervous and developmental systems. It is also in high amounts in the tissue of animals higher on the food chain like fish consumed by humans. Here, we discuss the possible impacts of DOM, SO 4 2-, and microbial consortia on the methylation and bioavailability of Hg. The review also focuses on how toxic levels of mercury impact the wellbeing of the wild life and food chains among other ecological impacts. We assess the effectiveness of community-based mercury level monitoring programs and the current methods of managing mercury containing products like the Minamata convention. Perceived research gaps present the need for further research and development of remediative technologies to closure. Some of these gaps are about identifying not merely the disposal of mercury in sediment and the behaviour of mercury under global warming and climatic alteration. The findings bear witness on how imperative it is for countries to come together in order to reduce the extent of the mercury’s impacts on environment and people.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.12.issue6.334