1
Landfill Cement plants Chlor-alkali plants Vinyl chloride monomer plants Coal power plants Urban sewage system Volcanoes and other natural sources Soil contamination Waste incineration and cremation Artisanal and small scale gold mining Deposition to water Anaerobic bacteria convert mercury to which is taken up by methylmercury Products Landfill leachate Tiny plants and animals Smaller fish Larger fish Humans B i o m a g n i f c a t i o n Hg C H H H Methylmercury • Causes majority of harmful mercury exposures. • Easily absorbed by the gut. • Binds strongly to proteins in fat, nerves and brain. • Too much can build up and cause neurological damage. How mercury can enter our bodies For more information on mercury, read the Science for Environment Policy In-Depth Report, Tackling mercury pollution in the EU and worldwide. Hg C Hg C H H H B i o a c c u m u l a t i o n o v e r ti m e
