ECHEM MERCURY

    Cards (18)

    • What is mercury?
      Mercury is a persistent and naturally occurring metal
    • Why is mercury a concern?
      Mercury is a concern because methylmercury accumulates in fish and can cause neurological deficiencies in children
    • What is the main source of methylmercury in the environment?
      Bacteria in water bodies
    • What are the forms of mercury found in the environment?
      Elemental, inorganic, and organic forms
    • What is the most toxic form of mercury?
      Methylmercury
    • Why is methylmercury a concern for human health?
      Methylmercury affects the immune system, alters genetic and enzyme systems, and damages the nervous system
    • What is the Minamata Convention on Mercury?
      An international treaty aimed at reducing mercury pollution
    • Why is it important to reduce mercury emissions and contamination?
      To safeguard ecosystems and public health
    • What are the types of mercury?
      • Elemental mercury
      • Inorganic mercury
      • Organic mercury (including methylmercury)
    • What are the effects of methylmercury on human health?
      • Affects the immune system
      • Alters genetic and enzyme systems
      • Damages the nervous system
      • Particularly damaging to developing embryos
    • What are the sources of mercury releases?
      • Mining
      • Alkali production
      • Fossil fuel combustion for power and heating
      • Waste incineration
    • What are the mitigation efforts for mercury pollution?
      • International regulations (Minamata Convention on Mercury)
      • Regulation of industrial sources
      • Reducing mercury use in products
      • Cleaner technologies in mining
    • What are the factors that affect methylation?
      Factors such as dissolved organic carbon, pH, and sunlight affect methylation
    • What is the process of methylation?
      Methylation is the process by which bacteria transform elemental or inorganic mercury into methylmercury
    • What are the effects of elemental mercury on human health?
      • Causes tremors
      • Causes gingivitis
      • Causes excitability when vapors are inhaled over a long period
    • What is the difference between inorganic and organic mercury?
      Inorganic mercury is formed when mercury combines with inorganic elements, while organic mercury is formed when mercury combines with organic material
    • What is the role of bacteria in the formation of methylmercury?
      Bacteria transform elemental or inorganic mercury into methylmercury through the process of methylation
    • What is the impact of mercury on the environment and ecosystems?
      • Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant
      • Mercury can travel long distances and accumulate in organisms
      • Mercury can affect the immune system, alter genetic and enzyme systems, and damage the nervous system
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