Legacy of mercury pollution

Article Abstract:

Large quantities of mercury reached the atmosphere as a by-product of silver production in South and Central American between 1570 and 1900. The advent of mercury amalgamation, a simple process for extracting silver from ore, enabled Latin America to dominate the world's silver market during this period. Unfortunately, this process also caused extensive mercury pollution. Analysis of mercury and silver production data from the three principal mines indicated that about 196,000 tons of mercury was released into the environment.

Silver industry, Air pollution

---

Mercury pollution in Brazil

Article Abstract:

Mercury pollution of Brazil's Madeira River due to gold mining is increasing. Mining releases about 32 tons of mercury a year into the river. Laboratory analysis of water samples found dangerously high levels of both dissolved and particulate mercury, which is highly toxic to humans and wildlife. Mercury contamination of the river's fish seriously threatens the health of the people and animals that eat the fish. The Madeira River's pollution exemplifies the danger mercury poses to Brazil's environmental health.

Brazil, Fish as food, Fish (Food product), Contamination

---

Mercury and gold pollution

Article Abstract:

The use of mercury in gold mining operations in north Wales in the late 19th and early 20th centuries has led to high levels of mercury in the Mawddach river that flows through the mining region. Highly toxic mercury was used to remove the gold from its ore by amalgamation, a process involving the discharge of the dangerous chemical into the river. The detection of mercury in the river's sediments after so many years indicates that mercury pollution poses long-term environmental hazards.

Wales

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Gaia and natural selection. Carbon fixation. Feedback on Gaia
• Abstracts: Ape populations decimated by hunting and Ebola virus. Order out of chaos. Vital signs
• Abstracts: Death of mature T cells by separate ligation of CD4 and the T-cell receptor for antigen. Competition for antigen presentation in living cells involves exchange of peptides bound by class II MHC molecules
• Abstracts: Orphan drug act: winners to keep all. The dos and don'ts of grant writing. Biotechnology leads the way as state moves beyond ground-based economy
• Abstracts: Hughes looks east for next expansion. Hurricane pounds Florida research facilities. How much green in the greenhouse?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.