This article reviews progress in the research of methyl mercury (MeHg) and nutrient interactions during the past two decades. Special emphasis is placed on the following three major areas: a) effects on kinetics, b) effects on toxicity, and c) possible mechanisms. Dietary information is not usually collected in most epidemiologic studies examining of the effects of MeHg exposure. However, inconsistency of the MeHg toxicity observed in different populations is commonly attributed to possible effects of dietary modulation. Even though the mechanisms of interaction have not been totally elucidated, research in nutritional toxicology has provided insights into the understanding of the effects of nutrients on MeHg toxicity. Some of this information can be readily incorporated into the risk assessment of MeHg in the diets of fish-eating populations. It is also clear that there is a need for more studies designed specifically to address the role of nutrition in the metabolism and detoxification of MeHg. It is also important to collect more detailed dietary information in future epidemiologic studies of MeHg exposure.

The influence of nutrition on methyl mercury intoxication

Higher faecal excretion and lower tissue accumulation of mercury in Wistar rats from contaminated fish than from methylmercury chloride added to fish.

Direct determination of surface active substances in natural waters

Interaction of cadmium and copper with surface-active organic matter and complexing ligands released by marine phytoplankton

Voltammetry of copper species in estuarine waters induced adsorption of copper on the hanging mercury drop electrode in complexing ligand/surfactant/chloride media

Zlata Kozarac

Papers

The adsorption and interaction of long-chain fatty acids and heavy metals at the mercury electrode/sodium chloride solution interface