Analytical system for the determination of low-level methylmercury concentrations

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Anthropogenic emissions of inorganic mercury (HgII) have increased long-range transport of Hg and pollution of remote pristine areas. On a global basis, the major sources of Hg to the atmosphere are emissions from coal-fired energy production and waste combustion, fluxes that are likely to increase with further industrialization and population growth. In general, HgII in the atmosphere enters aquatic ecosystems where it can be converted though microbial methylation into methylmercury (MeHg). MeHg concentrations in the environment are of special concern because MeHg is a neurotoxin that is easily bioaccumulated by humans and wildlife that consume fish and other aquatic organisms.